A blog note on issues related to the sample size of research interviews in qualitative research

A blog note on issues related to the sample size of research interviews in qualitative research (information from poe.com)

My question: "There is a recurring issue for my part-time MBA students doing dissertation projects. Quite many of the students, when doing semi-structured research interview, claim that they could only afford to interview 3 to 4 interviewees, because they are busy and do not know additional suitable participants to be interviewed, while their supervisors highly recommend their supervisees to interview 8 to 10 interviewees. What would be your advice in response to this issue of disagreement these supervisors and supervisees?"

The reply: "This situation highlights a common tension in academic research, particularly in qualitative studies. Here are several strategies to address the issue:

1. Educate on the Importance of Sample Size

• Workshops/Seminars: Hold sessions explaining why a larger sample size enhances the reliability and richness of qualitative data.
• Case Studies: Share examples of successful projects that benefited from interviewing more participants.

2. Provide Guidance on Recruitment

• Networking Tips: Teach students how to leverage their networks, including alumni, industry connections, and social media.
• Snowball Sampling: Encourage students to ask each interviewee for referrals to other potential participants.

3. Flexible Scheduling

• Time Management: Help students plan and schedule interviews around their busy lives. Suggest time slots that may work better for potential interviewees.

4. Encourage Group Interviews

• Focus Groups: If appropriate, suggest conducting focus groups where multiple participants can be interviewed simultaneously.

5. Set Realistic Expectations

• Discuss Feasibility: Have students discuss their limitations with supervisors early on and explore compromises in sample size or focus.

6. Supervisory Support

• Regular Check-ins: Encourage supervisors to maintain open lines of communication and provide ongoing support to students throughout the recruiting process.

7. Alternative Methods

• If feasible, discuss the possibility of supplementing interviews with other data collection methods, such as surveys or secondary data analysis, to strengthen the research.

8. Feedback Loop

• Iterative Process: Encourage students to share their experiences and challenges with supervisors, allowing for adjustments in research strategies.

By implementing these strategies, students may feel better equipped to meet the expectations of their supervisors while also managing their time constraints effectively."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.