This document discusses sampling in qualitative research. It explains that in qualitative research, sampling is typically purposive rather than random. The goal is not generalization but in-depth understanding of a phenomenon. There are several types of purposive sampling that can be used before or after data collection, depending on the researcher's intent. These include maximum variation, extreme cases, typical cases, theory-based, homogeneous, critical cases, opportunistic, snowball, and confirming/disconfirming cases. Choosing a sampling method depends on which best supports answering the research questions, as all can be appropriate in qualitative research.
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