PURPOSIVE
SAMPLE
METHOD Learning Objectives
1. To learn the concept of purposive sampling
method.
[Link] distinguish and identify the different types of purposive sampling technique.
Purposive Sampling
Definition
Purposive sampling, also known as judgmental, selective or subjective sampling, reflects a
group of sampling techniques that rely on the judgement of the researcher when it comes to
selecting the units (e.g., people, cases/organizations, events, pieces of data) that are to be
studied.
The main objective of a purposive sample is to produce a sample that can be
logically assumed to be representative of the population. This is often accomplished by
applying expert knowledge of the population to select in a nonrandom manner a sample
of elements that represents a cross-section of the population.
There are seven purposive sampling techniques;
a) Maximum Variation Sampling the idea behind MVS is to look at a subject from
all available angles, thereby achieving a greater [Link] known as
"Heterogeneous Sampling", it involves selecting candidates across a broad
spectrum relating to the topic of study.
b) Homogeneous Sampling is this form of sampling, unlike MVS, focuses on
candidates who share similar traits or specific characteristics.
c) Typical Case Sampling is useful when a researcher is dealing with large
programs, it helps set the bar of what is standard or “typical”. Candidates are
generally chosen based on their like likelihood of behaving like everyone else.
d) Extreme/Deviant Case Sampling is the polar opposite of Typical Case Sampling,
Extreme (or Deviant) Case Sampling is designed to focus on individuals that are
unusual or atypical.
e) Critical Case Sampling is extremely popular in the initial stages of research to
determine whether or not a more in depth study is warranted, or where funds are
limited, Critical Case Sampling is a method where a select number of important or
“critical” cases are selected and then examined.
f) Total Population Sampling is a technique where the entire population that meet
the criteria (e.g. specific skill set, experience, etc.) are included in the research
being conducted.
g) Expert Sampling is for experts in a particular field to be the subjects of the
purposive sampling. This sort of sampling is useful when the research is expected to
take a long time before it provides conclusive results or where there is currently a lack
of observational evidence.
Examples
Example 1.
It involves selecting candidates across a broad spectrum relating to the topic of study. If
one was researching an education program,It would include students who hated the
program, students classed as “typical” and students who excelled in different [Link]
comes with a purpose of looking the subjects from all available angles to achieve
greater [Link] type of purposive sampling is a Heterogeneous Sampling
(Maximum variation Sampling)
Example 2.
If one was researching long-term side effects of working with asbestos, for a
Homogeneous Sampling, the only people who had worked with asbestos for 20 years
or longer are [Link] in Homogeneous Sampling would be similar in terms
of ages, cultures, jobs or life experiences. The idea is to focus on this precise similarity
and how it relates to the topic being researched.
Example 3.
If one was researching the reactions of 9th grade students to a job placement
program,and would select classes from similar socioeconomic regions, as opposed to
selecting a class from an a poorer inner city school, another from a mid-west farming
community, and another from an affluent private school, this is a type of Typical case
sampling.
Example 4.
An example of a study into heart surgery patients who recovered significantly faster or
slower than average. Researchers would be looking for variations in these cases to
explain why their recoveries were [Link] type of sampling is the
Extreme/Deviant Case Sample
Let’s try
Exercise: Identify what type of purposive sampling technique is being used.
1.)When sociologist C.J. Pascoe wanted to study sexuality and gender identity develop
among high school students, she selected what was considered to be an average high
school in terms of population and family income, so that her findings from this case
could be more generally applicable.(Critical case sampling)
2.)When conducting a street poll about an issue, a researcher would want to ensure that
he or she speaks with as many different kinds of people as possible in order to
construct a robust view of the issue from the public's perspective.(Maximum
variation/heterogeneous)
References
Crossman, A. (Ed.). (2018, March 18). Understanding Purposive sampling. Retrieved
from [Link]
Etikan, I., Musa, S., & Alkassim, R. (2015, December 22). Comparison of Convinience
sampling And Purposive sampling. Retrieved from
[Link]
f_Convenience_Sampling_and_Purposive_Sampling/links/589d919692851c599c9badc
8/[Link]
