The Sample Size Dilemma in Qualitative Research : Reflections From a Study on the Use of Self-Talk Among COVID-19 Patients / Jeremiah M. Nganda.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Nganda, Jeremiah M., author.

Mwithia, Kinya, author.

Ugangu, Wilson, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

COVID-19 (Disease)--Research.

COVID-19 (Disease).

Qualitative research--Case studies.

Qualitative research.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

London, England : SAGE Publications Ltd, 2025.

Summary:

Qualitative researchers often face the challenge of determining the appropriate sample size and when it should be decided. This dilemma can be particularly challenging for students and emerging researchers. The debate centers on whether to set sample sizes a priori or during the research process. Some researchers favor determining sample size at the onset, whereas others prefer focusing on point of saturation due to the adaptive nature of qualitative research. Without clear guidance on this issue, the methodologic rigor of qualitative studies may be compromised, raising concerns about credibility, trustworthiness, and the sufficiency of data to answer research questions. Our study, guided by Heidegger's hermeneutic phenomenology, aimed to explore the self-talk experiences of recovered COVID-19 patients hospitalized in leading hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya. To address the sample-size dilemma, we adopted a middle-ground approach: initially setting a minimum of 12 participants but with the flexibility to continue data generation until thematic saturation was reached. Hence, we conducted interviews concurrently with preliminary data analysis to determine when thematic saturation would be achieved. This ensured a comprehensive and methodic exploration of the phenomenon under study while affording flexibility to ensure data sufficiency to answer the research questions. In total, we conducted 15 interviews. However, we observed that no new themes emerged after the twelfth interview. Thus, we concluded that thematic saturation was achieved at the twelfth interview. We recommend that qualitative scholars consider setting minimum sample sizes guided by suggestions from notable scholars in the field but continuing with data generation until the available data are sufficient to meet the objectives of the study. This Case Study covers the key dilemmas that qualitative researchers contend with in determining appropriate sample sizes in their studies. Through this Case Study, readers will gain insights into strategies to apply in navigating the challenges that may arise in determining sample sizes in qualitative research.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

1-03-622157-1

9781036221577

OCLC:

1523170168