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ERIC Number: EJ1188348
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 4
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1364-5579
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Sample Size Debate: Response to Norman Blaikie
International Journal of Social Research Methodology, v21 n5 p643-646 2018
In his detailed response to our paper on sample size in qualitative research, Norman Blaikie raises important issues concerning conceptual definitions and taxonomy. In particular, he points out the problems associated with a loose, generic application of adjectives such as 'qualitative' or 'inductive'. We endorse this concern, though we suggest that in some specific contexts a broad categorization may be more appropriate than a more nuanced distinction -- provided that it is clear in which sense the terms are employed. However, other concepts, such as saturation, do not lend themselves to generic use, and require a more detailed conceptualization. Blaikie's analysis also makes it clear that meaningful discussion of sample size in qualitative research cannot occur with reference to an undifferentiated conception of the nature of qualitative research; clear distinctions need to be made within this approach in terms of methodology, ontological and epistemological assumptions and broader research paradigms. [For Norman Blaikie's "Confounding Issues Related to Determining Sample Size in Qualitative Research," see EJ1188345. For Sim, et al.'s "Can Sample Size in Qualitative Research Be Determined a Priori?," see EJ1188346.]
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative; Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A