Theoretical sampling in Grounded Theory

The following notes are on the topic of Theoretical Sampling in Grounded Theory studies:

1. Theoretical Sampling: Sampling on the basis of concepts that have proven theoretical relevance to the evolving theory
2. Proven theoretical relevance: Indications that concepts are deemed to be significant because they are repeatedly present or notably absent when comparing incident after incident
3. Major considerations in sampling in grounded theory study:
• A site to be chosen
• Kinds of data to be used (e.g. observations, interviews, documents, etc.)
• Decide whether to follow the same person over time
4. Sampling in Open Coding: the aim is to uncover as many potentially relevant categories as possible.
5. Sampling in Axial Coding: the aim is to uncover and validate relationships between categories.

ReferenceStrauss, A. and Corbin, J. (1990) Basics of Qualitative Research: Grounded  Theory Procedures and Techniques, SAGE Publications