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Nursing
QUESTION #9210
Question 1
A Head Nurse reads a study where the researchers interviewed 12 nurses until no new themes emerged. What sampling method was used?
Correct Answer Explanation
Correct Answer: B — Purposive sampling until theoretical saturation
In qualitative research, the concept of theoretical (or data) saturation refers to the point at which no new information or themes are emerging from additional data collection.
Why 'purposive sampling'? Qualitative researchers deliberately select participants based on specific characteristics relevant to the research question — this is purposive (or purposeful) sampling.
Comparison of qualitative sampling methods:
Sample size in qualitative research is determined by saturation, not pre-calculated formulas.
In qualitative research, the concept of theoretical (or data) saturation refers to the point at which no new information or themes are emerging from additional data collection.
Why 'purposive sampling'? Qualitative researchers deliberately select participants based on specific characteristics relevant to the research question — this is purposive (or purposeful) sampling.
Comparison of qualitative sampling methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Purposive | Deliberate selection based on specific criteria |
| Snowball | Participants recruit other participants (used for hard-to-reach populations) |
| Theoretical | Sampling continues until saturation — guided by emerging theory (Grounded Theory) |
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