Abstract
This chapter is concerned with sampling, which is all about making choices related to data sources that will be the focus of your data gathering strategies. In social and behavioural research, sampling refers to much more than selecting human participants, especially when patterns of guiding assumptions, specific research configurations and specific data gathering strategies are considered in conjunction with the research context, research frames and associated research questions and/or hypotheses. This includes choices of the data sources themselves as well as choices of the circumstances, contexts and occasions in which data sources are encountered. We review a range of probability (e.g., various types of random sampling scheme, useful in research guided by positivist pattern of guiding assumptions) and non-probability sampling schemes (schemes, such as purposive, convenience, quota and theoretical, that can be useful under any pattern of guiding assumptions, especially interpretivist/constructivist assumptions). We also discuss two critical constraints associated with implementing any sampling scheme, ethical constraints and feasibility constraints, and reinforce the importance of having a Plan B for sampling.
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Cooksey, R., McDonald, G. (2019). How Do I Manage the Sampling Process?. In: Surviving and Thriving in Postgraduate Research. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-7747-1_19
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