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Purposive sampling in qualitative research: a framework for the entire journey

Author

Listed:
  • Maiss Ahmad

    (University of Sharjah)

  • Stephen Wilkins

    (The British University in Dubai, Dubai International Academic City)

Abstract

Purposive sampling (PS) is one of the most commonly used approaches in qualitative research across a wide range of scientific disciplines. Despite its popularity, there is still no research-based framework for conducting, teaching and evaluating PS applications. In this study, we articulate a framework developed from insights collected from thirteen professors and senior research experts at leading universities and research centers worldwide, across eight distinct social science disciplines in the fields of education, business and health policy. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and then analyzed using the codebook thematic analysis technique. The proposed PS framework embraces the flexibility, inductive and coherence principles of qualitative inquiry. It provides an application guide for novice researchers and postgraduate students, and an appraisal tool for academics, principal investigators and journal reviewers. Additionally, the results highlight the important role of supervisors and principal investigators in the entire research process.

Suggested Citation

  • Maiss Ahmad & Stephen Wilkins, 2025. "Purposive sampling in qualitative research: a framework for the entire journey," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 59(2), pages 1461-1479, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:59:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s11135-024-02022-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-024-02022-5
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