Theoretical sampling

"Theoretical sampling" is a term coined by Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss in 1967 in the context of social research to describe the process of choosing new research sites or research cases to compare with one that has already been studied. It is one of the tools of qualitative research.

The goal of theoretical sampling is not the same as with the probabilistic sampling; the researcher's goal is not the representative capture of all possible variations, but to gain a deeper understanding of analysed cases and facilitate the development of analytic frame and concepts used in their research.

Theoretical sampling can be viewed as a technique of data triangulation: using independent pieces of information to get a better fix on something that is only partially known or understood.

This method is also known as "handy sampling".

See also

*Sampling (statistics) (many statisticians use Theoretical Sampling in the preparation of their usual Sampling techniques)
*Sampling (case studies)

References

* Charles C. Ragin, 'Constructing Social Research: The Unity and Diversity of Method', Pine Forge Press, 1994, ISBN 0-8039-9021-9
* Josiah S. Carberry, 'The New Science of Handy Sampling', Harvard University Press, 1971, ISBN 0-2123-2911-3