Theoretical Sampling in Qualitative Research: A Multi-Layered Nested Sampling Scheme

Abstract

In qualitative research, novice grounded theorists are aware of expectations to use theoretical sampling yet they have vague idea of how to conduct theoretical sampling. An analysis of sampling pattern of the study using grounded theory and theoretical sampling revealed a systematic sampling scheme employing multiple techniques. The study was conducted using theoretical sampling; twenty-five in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with professors and postdocs across Germany. The analysis established that theoretical sampling is a complex multi-layered nested sampling scheme, which uses multiple sampling techniques simultaneously.