Process / pipelineSampling

Purposive Sampling — Criterion-Based Case Selection

Purposive sampling is a non-probability strategy in which the researcher deliberately selects participants, documents, or cases that are information-rich with respect to the research question. Rather than drawing units at random, the researcher applies explicit criteria aligned with the study's purpose, maximising the depth and relevance of the data collected. It is the default sampling logic in most qualitative research designs and is also used in mixed-methods and applied evaluative work.

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Sources

  1. Patton, M. Q. (1990). Qualitative Evaluation and Research Methods (2nd ed.). Sage. ISBN: 978-0803937796
  2. Creswell, J. W. (2007). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (2nd ed.). Sage. ISBN: 978-1412916073

Related methods

Referenced by

ScholarGatePurposive sampling (Purposive Sampling). Retrieved 2026-06-04 from https://scholargate.app/en/survey-methodology/purposive-sampling