The value and practicality of deliberate sampling for heterogeneity: A critical multiplist perspective

This paper contains a description of the use of critical multiplism to eval uate the advantages and disadvantages of random sampling and deliberate sam pling for heterogeneity, according to the ability of each type of sampling to (1) aid in establishing causal relationships; and (2) to generate accura te descriptions of population parameters. It is necessary to evaluate alter natives to random sampling because it is often not feasible to apply this m ethodology. Deliberate sampling for heterogeneity can itself be seen as an application of critical multiplism. A model is suggested for utilizing deli berate sampling for heterogeneity when the population parameters are unknow n. The model, along with critical multiplism, is applied in a study of the psychosocial rehabilitation workforce. The data suggests that deliberate sa mpling for heterogenity may be more useful for generating theories and hypo theses than for generating accurate estimates of population parameters.