Sample Size and Saturation

A Three-phase Method for Ethnographic Research with Multiple Qualitative Data Sources

Dados Bibliográficos

ID2407707
AutoresAnthony S Distefano (California State University, Fullerton), Joshua S Yang (0000-0001-9595-5229, Department of Public Health, California State University, Fullerton, CA, USA), Joshua Yang (0000-0002-9224-6053, California State University, Fullerton)
Ano2024
Volume36
Fascículo2
Páginas145-159
Data de publicação2024-05-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoCAM (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1087-8513 • E-ISSN: 1552-3969
EditoraSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1525822x231194515
OpenAlexW4385739349
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas7
Referências citadas28

Despite recent methodological advances in saturation, guidelines for its estimation in more complex research designs-such as ethnographic studies-have been lacking. We present an accessible, step-by-step approach to empirical assessment of data saturation, tested on a moderately sized ethnographic study with 109 combined direct observations and interviews. The three-phase method includes a priori sample size prediction, provisional saturation estimation during data collection, and post hoc confirmation. Post hoc analysis indicated we reached key thresholds of data saturation before ending fieldwork. We achieved 80% saturation at our 69th data collection event (63% of the full sample) and 90% saturation at our 91st data collection event (83% of the full sample). The method is designed to account for on-the-ground realities confronted in contemporary ethnographic research, including time constraints during fieldwork, and can accommodate studies with medium to large scopes, broad foci, heterogeneous populations, and analysis of multiple qualitative data sources

Data collection · Ethnography · Physics · Qualitative research · Sample (material) · Sample size determination · Saturation (graph theory) · Social science · Sociology · Statistics · Anthropology · Computer Science · Mathematics · Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics · Survey Methodology and Nonresponse