There are various qualitative designs: case study, action research, ethnography, evaluative, interpretive description, grounded theory, narrative, phenomenology, and photovoice/visual. The first step in developing research is identifying the appropriate qualitative design as well as target population and sample.
Please access the NU library database "SAGE Research Methods" (see below) for help in identifying the appropriate design for your qualitative dissertation or applied doctoral project.
The target population is the population from which the sample will be drawn. It is all individuals who possess the desired characteristics (inclusion criteria) to participate in the dissertation or applied doctoral project.
The sampling design represents the plan for obtaining a sample from the target population. A sampling frame can be employed to identify participants and can provide access to the population for the recruitment of the sample.
To identify all individuals in the dissertation or applied doctoral project population, a sampling frame is identified and provides access to the population for the recruitment of a sample. Review Trochim's Knowledge Base at https://conjointly.com/kb/ for more information.
Use the script below by replacing the italicized text with the appropriate information to state the study population.
"The study population for the proposed study is comprised of all (individuals with relevant characteristics), within (describe the sampling frame)."
The study sample is a subset of the target population, which possesses the appropriate characteristics for the proposed study. Potential participants are then screened based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, and if they meet the criteria, are recruited into the sample. Review Trochim's Knowledge Base at https://conjointly.com/kb/ for more information.
Use the script below to state the sample.
"(sampling method) will be used to obtain (sample number) participants that meet the following inclusion criteria (list relevant characteristics needed to participate)."
NU Skill Up Series (Producer). (2024, March). Alignment + ethics = rigor [Video file]. National University.
Fundamentals of Qualitative Research: A Broad Overview
National University GSSC. (2022, December 8). Fundamentals of qualitative research: A broad overview [Video file].
Qualitative Research Terminology Road Map
NU Skill Up Series (Producer). (2024, September 19). Qualitative research terminology road map [Video file]. National University.
Qualitative Research Designs: Exploring the “Big Five” (Part 1)
NU Skill Up Series. (2023). Qualitative research designs: Exploring the "big five" (part 1) [Video file]
Qualitative Research Designs: Exploring the “Big Five” (Part 2)
NU Skill Up Series. (2023). Qualitative research designs: Exploring the "big five" (part 2) [Video file].
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