I would like to ask about my PhD research method. One of the objectives of my study is to identify the factors contributing to a particular issue. Initially, I planned to conduct interviews with 15 to 20 informants, selected randomly from various districts in ny country. However, during the data collection process, I had to interview five informants only because, based on my observations, the data had already reached saturation point. To ensure the validity of this observation, I conducted additional informal and spontaneous interviews without official letters with five to six more individuals. This was done to confirm that no new patterns or trends were emerging from the data. The results reaffirmed the saturation, and thus, only the original five interviews were included in the final analysis.
Does this approach make my method robust?
Mohd Zhafiran Ashyraf bin Haji Abd Manap Your approach reflects a thoughtful application of qualitative methodology, particularly in observing data saturation—a key principle in exploratory and interpretive research. Here’s an academic-style evaluation of your method. Yes, your method can be considered robust within the qualitative paradigm—particularly if these reflective choices are clearly articulated in your methodology section. The adaptive nature of your data collection, combined with informal validation steps, reflects good qualitative practice. Including a rationale and procedural clarity will strengthen academic rigor and reviewer confidence.
Mohammad Zarandi Alhamdulillah syukur, thank you for responding to my query. I appreciate your time & effort to answer my doubt 🤲🤩. Thank you once again.
Dr Mohd Zhafiran Ashyraf bin Haji Abd Manap
This question took me back years to when I used constructivist grounded theory for my living with faecal incontinence PhD interviewing 21 people but 1 person I interviewed twice. I thoroughly enjoyed this time of my life doing my study; this covers my initial study and 5 and 10 year follow-ups:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273378880_Living_with_faecal_incontinence_A_10-year_follow-up_study
All my very best wishes to you, Dr Mohd Zhafiran Ashyraf bin Haji Abd Manap
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