SAMPLING IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH - RATIONALE, ISSUES, AND METHODS

In gerontology the most recognized and elaborate discourse about sampl ing is generally thought to be in quantitative research associated wit h survey research and medical research. But sampling has long been a c entral concern in the social and humanistic inquiry, albeit in a diffe rent guise suited to the different goals. There is a need for more exp licit discussion of qualitative sampling issues. This article will out line the guiding principles and rationales, features, and practices of sampling in qualitative research. It then describes common questions about sampling in qualitative research. In conclusion it proposes the concept of qualitative clarity as a set of principles (analogous to st atistical power) to guide assessments of qualitative sampling in a par ticular study or proposal.