International Journal of Advances in Nursing Management 2(1): January-March 2014

www.anvpublication.org ISSN-2347–8632

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Sampling in Mixed Methods Research

Dr. G. Radhakrishnan
Principal , P.D. Bharatesh College of Nursing, Halaga, Belgaum, Karnataka.
*Corresponding Author Email: dr.rk76@hotmail.com

INTRODUCTION:
Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative designs is called
Mixed- Methods Research or Multi-Method Research
(MMR). Although mixed method is not always superior, it
has many advantages such as the designs complementing
each other, enhanced theoretical insights, incrementality or
continuity, enhanced validity, provides for rectification in
case of differences/ inconsistencies in result.

Sampling is the process of selecting a portion of the

population to represent the entire population.

Sampling in Mixed Methods Research depends on the

Research designs chosen in the study. Green and Caracelli
(1997) have identified several types of research designs that
involve multi-method approach the designs cluster in to two
broad categories that they label component designs and Sampling in quantitative Methods
integrated designs.
 Component designs
◦ Triangulated
◦ Complimentary
◦ Expansion
 Integrated designs
◦ Iterative
◦ Embedded or Nested
◦ Holistic
◦ Transformative

Whatever the form of integration may be, the sampling in

MMR confines to the basic Quantitative and Qualitative
methods.

Received on 30.01.2014 Modified on 26.02.2014

Accepted on 22.03.2014 © A&V Publication all right reserved
Int. J. Adv. Nur. Management 2(1):Jan. - Mar., 2014; Page 24-27

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 International Journal of Advances in Nursing Management 2(1): January-March 2014

A. Non-Probability sampling The researcher should use the largest sample possible. The
Non-probability sampling is less likely than probability larger the sample, the more representative of the population
sampling to produce accurate and representative samples. is likely to be. In other words, larger the sample size smaller
the sample error.
1. Convenience sampling
Convenience sampling entails using the most conveniently Sampling in qualitative research
available people as study participants. It is also called as an Qualitative researchers use the theoretical demands of the
accidental sampling. study to select articulate and reflective informants with
certain types of experience in emergent way.
2. Snowball sampling
It is also called as network sampling or chain sampling.
With this approach early sample members are asked to
identify and refer other people who meet the eligibility
criteria.

3. Quota Sampling
A quota sample is one in which the researcher identifies
population strata and determines how many participants are
needed from each stratum.

4. Purposive Sampling
It is also called as judgmental sampling. It is based on the
belief that researcher’s knowledge about the population can
be used to hand-pick sample members.

B. Probability sampling (Random Sampling)

Probability sampling involves the random selection of
elements from a population.
1. Convenience sampling
1. Simple random sampling Qualitative researchers sometimes use or begin with
It involves the random selection of elements from a convenience sample which is sometimes referred to in
sampling frame that enumerates all the elements. qualitative studies as voluntary sample. Voluntary samples
are especially likely to be used when researchers need to
2. Stratified random sampling have potential participants come forward and identify
It divides the population into homogeneous subgroups from themselves.
which elements were selected at random.
2. Snowball Sampling
3. Cluster sampling Qualitative researchers also use snowball sampling, asking
It is also called as multistage sampling. It involves the early informants to make referral to other study participants.
successive selection of random samples from larger to
smaller units by either simple random or stratified random 3. Purposive Sampling
methods. Most qualitative studies eventually evolve to a purposive or
purposeful sampling strategy that is, hand-picking cases
4. Systemic sampling that will most benefit for the study.
It is the selection of every kth case from a list. By dividing
the population size by the desired sample size, the 4. Theoretical Sampling
researcher establishes the sampling interval, which is the It is the process of data collection for generating theory
standard distance between the selected elements. whereby the analyst jointly collects, codes, and analyzes his
data and decides what data to collect next and where to find
Sample size in quantitative research them, in order to develop his theory as it emerges.
Quantitative research requires a careful attention to the
number of subjects needed to test the research hypothesis. Sample size in qualitative research
Power analysis and effect size can be used to estimate There are no criteria or rules for sample size in qualitative
sample size and reduce sampling errors research. It depends on the purpose of the enquiry, quality
of the informants and the type of sampling strategies used.
Eg: Larger the sample when there is maximum variation in
the information.

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 International Journal of Advances in Nursing Management 2(1): January-March 2014

The guiding principle is data saturation (is the point where

we don’t get additional information).

The principles of sample size in Mixed Method Research

also remain same as unmixed methods.

Sampling in three main qualitative traditions

Sampling in Ethnography
Ethnographers may begin by initially adopting a ‘big net’
approach that is, mingling with and having conversations
with as many members of the culture under study as
possible.

Sampling in Phenomenological studies

Phenomenologists tend to rely on very small samples of  Zone A consists of totally qualitative (QUAL) research
participants – typically 10 or fewer. with purposive sampling.
 Zone E consists of totally quantitative (QUAN)
All the participants must have experienced the phenomenon research with probability sampling.
under study and must be able to articulate what is like to  Zone B represents primarily QUAL research, with
have lived that experience. some QUAN components.
 Zone D represents primarily QUAN research, with
Sampling in Grounded theory some QUAL components.
Grounded theory research is typically done with samples of  Zone C represents totally integrated mixed methods
about 20 to 30 people, using theoretical sampling. The goal (MM) research and sampling.
in a grounded theory study is to select informants who can  The arrow represents the purposive-mixed-probability
best contribute to evolving theory. sampling continuum. Movement toward the middle of
the continuum indicates a greater integration of
Smaller to Larger sample research methods and sampling.
 An in depth qualitative study with few sample may  Movement away from the center (and toward either
lead to a quantitative study where we may require end) indicates that research methods and sampling
larger sample. (QUAN and QUAL) are more separated or distinct.
 Sampling in this case largely depends on the (Source: Teddlie-2005)
researcher and the research method adopted
Mixed Methods Sampling Strategies
Larger to smaller sample Relationship between Description
 A quantitative study undertaken with a larger sample QUAL and QUANT
may give an insight for a fruitful qualitative study. samples
 In this case the sample for the qualitative study is Identical sampling The same participants participate in
QUAL and QUANT study phases
obtained from the larger sample by either randomized Parallel sampling Different samples for QUAL and
or non-randomized sampling technique methods. QUANT study phases but participants
drawn from same population
Matrix crossing type of sampling scheme by research approach in Nested sampling A subset of the entire sample participate
Multi Method Research - Antony J O, Kathleen MTC (2007) in an additional study
Components Random Non-Random Sampling Multilevel sampling Two or more samples recruited from
(Qualitative/ Sampling different levels of the population of
Quantitative) interest.
Random Sampling Rare Occasional
Type - I Type - II Table adapted from Onwuegbuzie and Collins (2007)
Non-Random Very Rare Frequent
Sampling Type - III Type - IV
Mixed Methods Sampling Issues
Challenges and Issues
Purposive-Mixed-Probability Sampling Continuum  QUAL: Difficulties of capturing representative
Charles T and Fen Y (2007) have proposed the following samples of qualitative life experiences
Purposive-Mixed-Probability Sampling Continuum with  QUANT: Difficulties of obtaining data from a
meaningful combination and explanation for mixed method representative sample Validity and legitimization
research, (dependability and conformability)
 Ensuring sufficient sample size within the pragmatic
constraints of resources (financial, staff, etc)
 Attrition and/or incomplete information in the different
study phases

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 International Journal of Advances in Nursing Management 2(1): January-March 2014

CONCLUSION:
If Mixed Methods Research is considered to have
advantage, a careful of sampling in it adds value to the
same.

REFERENCES:
1. Polit DF and Beck CT. Nursing Research: Principles and
methods. 7thed. Philadelphia. Lippincott publications. 2004. p.
289-314.
2. Antony JO, Kathleen MTC (2007). A Typology of mixed
methods sampling designs in Social Science Research. The
Qualitative report. 12(2); 2007:281-316.
3. Angel B and Lisa T. Designing and Conducting Mixed Method
Studies. Workshop content. 2011.
4. Charles T and Fen Y. Mixed methods sampling; A Typology wit
examples. Journal of Mixed method Research.1 (1); 2007:77-
100. Jacqui Smith. Workshop content on Mixed Methods.2012.

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