The target place is Horn of Africa whose population is estimated to 200 mln. please help me find the possible number of my respondents for indepth interview?
Qualitative studies in general are not meant for generalisations. Therefore, the sample size is not very important in the context of qualitative studies. You need to instead focus on your objectives and choose the appropriate tools of data collection and sample size.
I have published a study involving qualitative data that you might be interested in reading.
Article Working with adults with intellectual challenges to enhance ...
Qualitative does not look into the sample size. However, it is more of an 'in-depth' exploration of the respondents' feedback. Depending on the methodology used, highly recommended to adopt a systematic selective review (for Literature Review). In the analysis chapter 4 of the thesis - a combination of grounded theory (codings), content analysis, phenomenal investigation, reflective bloom taxonomy, etc., including Islamic Qualitative Methodology highly recommended. My work on gender studies (Muslim women and political empowerment) with 65 respondents using Muslim feminist grounded theory led to a new discovery in defining Muslim women and political empowerment based on an experiential case study.
Mahamad Hassan Hello, saturation is the criterion for determining sample size for qualitative study, though research design plays a crucial role to determine the sample size. For example, phenomenological research design, participants need to interview several times. Hence, small sample size provides rich data. For grounded theory, you may need large sample size (e.g., 30). However, After data saturation, you can stop interviewing your participants.
I agree that saturation is the key criterion, which means that you need to conduct interviews until what you are hearing no longer adds to your understanding of what you are studying. Unfortunately, the number of participants that it takes to reach this point can seldom be predicted in advance.
I suggest you start by thinking of how variable you participants are, i.e.., how different they are with regard to your research topic. If you think they have basically similar experiences and perspectives, then a sample of 10 might be adequate. Alternatively, if they are quite diverse, then 20 or more might necessary to reach saturation.
Generally, qualitative studies often involve around 20 to 30 interviews. However, the focus should be on achieving data saturation, where further interviews do not significantly contribute new information. Here are two helpful textbooks.
Bloomberg, L. D. (2022). Completing your qualitative dissertation: A road map from beginning to end (5th ed.). Sage. https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/completing-your-qualitative-dissertation/book279950
Kostere, S., & Kostere, K. (2021). The generic qualitative approach to a dissertation in the social sciences: A step by step guide. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003195689
Good luck,
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