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Journals / Yalova Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 16 Sayı: 1

Sample Selection in Qualitative Research: Flexibility, Limits and Methodological Risks

Nitel Araştırmalarda Örneklem Seçimi: Esneklik, Sınırlar ve Yöntemsel Riskler

Mikail Batu(NECMETTİN ERBAKAN ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-6791-0098
Hüsamettin Kaplan(NECMETTİN ERBAKAN ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0009-0001-3424-2935
Pages
190–209
Publication Date
2026-04-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

In this respect, the study aims to provide researchers conducting qualitative research with a holistic perspective on sample selection.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study examines purposive sampling strategies, which form the basis of qualitative research, and their critical impact on the validity and reliability of the research.
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Key Findings & Data:When data saturation is reached, the inability of new data to significantly contribute to the research data indicates that the sample size is sufficient.
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Conclusion & Impact:In this respect, the study aims to provide researchers conducting qualitative research with a holistic perspective on sample selection.
🔬Design:Derleme
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Sosyal Bilimler · Araştırma Yöntemi · Nitel Araştırma

Abstract

This study examines purposive sampling strategies, which form the basis of qualitative research, and their critical impact on the validity and reliability of the research. Since qualitative research, by its nature, does not aim for generalization, obtaining in-depth information is prioritized in sample selection. In this context, techniques such as maximum diversity, snowball sampling, convenient sampling, and criterion sampling offer researchers different possibilities. The concept of data saturation plays a critical role in determining sample size in terms of the validity and reliability dimensions of the study. When data saturation is reached, the inability of new data to significantly contribute to the research data indicates that the sample size is sufficient. In the literature, the nature of the research question, the characteristics of the research design, and the researcher's role are important determining factors in sample selection. This article discusses the sample selection process in qualitative research with theoretical frameworks and examples from applications; strengths, limitations, and suggestions for future studies are discussed. Additionally, suggestions are offered to help researchers address problems they may encounter in the sampling process. In this respect, the study aims to provide researchers conducting qualitative research with a holistic perspective on sample selection.

Özet

Bu çalışma, nitel araştırmaların temelini oluşturan amaçlı örnekleme stratejilerini ve bu stratejilerin araştırmanın geçerlilik ve güvenilirliğine olan kritik etkisini incelemektedir. Nitel araştırmaların doğası gereği genelleme amacı güdülmediğinden örneklem seçiminde derinlemesine bilgiye ulaşmak ön planda tutulmaktadır. Bu bağlamda maksimum çeşitlilik, kartopu, kolay ulaşılabilir örnekleme ve ölçüt örnekleme gibi teknikler araştırmacılara farklı imkânlar sunmaktadır. Örneklem büyüklüğünün belirlenmesinde veri doygunluğu kavramı, çalışmanın geçerlilik ve güvenirlik boyutları açısından kritik bir rol oynamaktadır. Veri doygunluğuna ulaşılan noktada yeni verilerin araştırma verilerine anlamlı olarak katkıda bulunamaması, örneklem sayısının yeterli olduğuna işaret etmektedir. Literatürde, örneklem seçiminde araştırma sorusunun niteliği, araştırma deseninin özellikleri ve araştırmacının rolü önemli belirleyici faktörlerdir. Bu makalede, nitel araştırmalarda örneklem seçim süreci kuramsal çerçeve ve uygulamalardan örneklerle ele alınmış; güçlü yönler, sınırlılıklar ve gelecek çalışmalara yönelik öneriler tartışılmıştır. Ayrıca araştırmacıların örneklem sürecinde karşılaşabilecekleri sorunlara yardımcı olabilecek öneriler sunulmuştur. Bu yönüyle çalışma, nitel araştırma yürüten araştırmacıların örneklem seçimlerine ilişkin bütüncül bir bakış açısı kazandırmayı amaçlamaktadır.

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Cite This Article

Batu, M., Kaplan, H. (2026). Sample Selection in Qualitative Research: Flexibility, Limits and Methodological Risks. Yalova Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, Cilt: 16 Sayı: 1, 190–209. https://doi.org/10.17828/yalovasosbil.1873565

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