Theoretical sampling

How it is used

Common in grounded theory; later choices respond to earlier analysis.

Example sentences

1. Through theoretical sampling, we recruited managers to explore a category raised by workers.

   An emerging category directed the next recruitment decision.

2. The theoretical sampling continued until the relationships between categories were well developed.

   The goal was developing theory rather than a representative survey.

Common collocations

• use theoretical sampling
• theoretical sampling decisions

Related terms

• sampling methodThe procedure used to choose cases, people, or items from a larger group for a study.
• theoretical frameworkThe theory or set of connected theories that a study uses to explain its problem, shape its questions and interpret its findings.

More terms: Research Design

• research
• research question
• hypothesis
• methodology
• qualitative
• quantitative
• sample
• participant
• questionnaire
• case study
• carry out
• validity