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A Call for Qualitative Power Analyses

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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the importance of sampling and sample size considerations in all qualitative research. Such considerations would help qualitative researchers to select sample sizes and sampling designs that are most compatible with their research purposes. First, we discuss the importance of sampling in qualitative research. Next, we outline 24 designs for selecting a sample in qualitative research. We then discuss the importance of selecting a sample size that yields data that have a realistic chance of reaching data saturation, theoretical saturation, or informational redundancy. Based on the literature, we then provide sample size guidelines for several qualitative research designs. As such, we provide a framework for making sampling and sample size considerations in interpretive research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Educational Measurement and Research, College of Education, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, EDU 162, Tampa, FL, 33620-7750, USA

    Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie

  2. University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, USA

    Nancy L. Leech

Authors
  1. Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie
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  2. Nancy L. Leech
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie.

Additional information

An earlier version of this article received the 2004 Southwest Educational Research Association (SERA) Outstanding Paper Award.

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Onwuegbuzie, A.J., Leech, N.L. A Call for Qualitative Power Analyses. Qual Quant 41, 105–121 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-005-1098-1

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