Rethinking Sampling in Grounded Theory: Reflections for Novice Grounded Theorists

Abstract

Sampling stage for novice grounded theorists is not as well defined as for qualitative researchers.  Grounded theorists use theoretical sampling to guide their research.  However, theoretical sampling is an enigma for novice grounded theorists.  They feel at loss when answer to their every question is theoretical saturation, and they lack the experience to realize that theoretical sampling will itself lead them to answers regarding whom, when and where.  The present paper is an effort to guide novice grounded theorists by presenting a multi-layered nested sampling design developed in retrospect to bring to light steps that might be taken before theoretical saturation is achieved.  Based on inductive approach, the study was conducted using grounded theory as a tool.  The data was collected in 25 semi-structured in-depth interviews with professors and postdocs across Germany.  The paper aims to propose a sampling scaffold for theoretical sampling to provide probable steps that novice grounded theorists could keep in mind during sampling stage