Section: Module 4: Lesson 2: Sampling and Data Collection for Qualitative Research | Research Methods for Health Sciences | NextGenU.org

  • Student Learning Outcomes:
    • Describe the common sampling strategies for qualitative research (purposeful, convenience, snowballing, quota).
    • Explain the common qualitative research methods (interviews, focus groups, observation, document reviews, and visual methods).
    • Determine the sampling and data collection methods to address a given research question.
    Approximate time required to complete the readings (at 144 words/minute) and assignments for this module: 2 hours and 48 minutes.

    Click here to start this lesson

    • Students must
      Mark as done
      Required Learning Resources and Activities
    • url icon
      Comparison of Convenience Sampling and Purposive Sampling URL
      Students must
      View

      Read pages 1-3 from "Introduction" to "Purposive Sampling Methods". (14 minutes)

      American Journal of Theoretical and Applied Statistics - 2015

    • url icon
      Enhancing the sample diversity of snowball samples: Recommendations from a research project on anti-dam movements in Southeast Asia URL
      Students must
      View

      Read content under "Introduction" and "On Snowball Sampling". (10 minutes)

      PLoS One - 2018

    • url icon
      Sampling in qualitative research URL
      Students must
      View

      Read content under Non-probability Sampling and Types of Non-probability sampling. (12 minutes)

      Radford University - 2021

    • url icon
      Overview of Qualitative Research Methods. URL
      Students must
      View

      Watch the entire video. (12 minutes)

      Center for Research Quality - 2015

    • forum icon
      Asynchronous Learning Activity 9: Qualitative Data Collection (120 minutes) Forum
      Students must
      View
      Start discussions: 1

      In this activity, you will continue working on the qualitative component of your proposal by defining a sampling and data collection method that matches your preferred study design.

      Step 1: Review

      Review the learning resources for this lesson.

      Step 2: Respond

      Recalling the qualitative research questions and objectives already designed, write a post of 150-250 words, in which you explain:

      • Sampling strategy 
      • Sample size and justification
      • Data collection method

      Step 3: Self-Analysis and Enhancement

      Before you submit, engage in an introspective self-analysis by systematically reviewing each component of your work. Reflect on what aspects of your work were executed well and what could be enhanced. Proceed to refine these elements in your work.

      Step 4: Submit

      To submit your work, click on the “Reply” button under this post and paste your work in the “Message” box. Make sure to reference others’ intellectual property when necessary. All references should follow 7th Edition APA formatting. For further instructions, see the resource on the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library: APA citation resource (N.B. references are excluded from word counts).

      OPTIONAL Step 5: Interact (10 minutes)

      If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”