In my recent submissions of qualitative research papers to international journals, I have grounded my sampling rationale on the concept of "information power" as proposed by Malterud et al. (2016), rather than the traditional notion of data saturation. I based this decision on the depth and relevance of the information obtained, which I believe sufficiently addressed the aims and research questions of my studies.
However, I have noticed that most journal reviewers continue to emphasize the need for reaching data saturation, often questioning the adequacy of the sample size despite the richness and specificity of the data collected.
I think the two approaches serve different goals. Malterud et al. can help you predict sample sizes before entering the field, but there is no guarantee that the prior assumptions it requires will indeed specify an adequate sample size. Alternatively, saturation will help you decide when you have reached an adequate sample size, but there is no way to predict it advance.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Anatomy
- Tissue