What are the main sampling approaches in qualitative research?
Before selecting a sampling strategy, determine who or what will be sampled. As we discussed in Module Two, this is referred to as the unit of analysis. Is information needed about: • Individuals? For example, individual variations and views about tobacco smuggling. • Groups? For example, comparing variations between groups in views about tobacco use and production (male vs. female, teenagers vs. younger children, growers vs. non-growers.) • Programs? For example, understanding the effectiveness of a particular tobacco control policy. • Sites? For example, comparing smoking at home with smoking at school. • Communities? • Countries? Once you have a clear understanding of the unit of analysis you will use in your research, you need to decide on the different strategies for purposeful sampling. In qualitative research, purposeful sampling allows you to select a sufficient number of particular cases to provide enough in-depth information for you to build a credible analysis of the issue u
