网络出版日期: 2021-11-23
基金资助
广东省哲学社会科学规划一般项目“城市中产阶层的教育焦虑：本质、成因及治理—基于广州和深圳等大城市的研究”（GD19CJY10）；教育部人文社会科学研究青年项目“一流大学成长进程中的科学精英集聚研究”（18YJC880011）
Determining Sample Size in Qualitative Research: Saturation, its Conceptualization, Operationalization and Relevant Debates
Online published: 2021-11-23
饱和业已成为判断质性研究质量、说明样本量合理性的重要标准。本文系统梳理了三类饱和概念——理论饱和、主题饱和与数据饱和，指出研究者要考虑自身的整体研究设计以决定采信何种概念。此外，还介绍了三种记录和判断饱和的方法，它们分别是结构性编码本、饱和表以及概念深度量表。其中，结构性编码本较为适合采信演绎主题饱和与数据饱和概念的研究；饱和表主要有主题饱和表和编码饱和表两类，较为适合采信既定主题饱和模式、特别强调既定主题能够得到数据有效支撑的研究；概念深度量表尤为适合采信理论饱和模式的研究。本文指出，“度”的概念较好地把握了饱和的本质特征；质量（充分）而非数量（多少）是饱和的关键；饱和本身应当是具体的方法论实践，重视饱和，并对取得饱和的过程进行清晰陈述，有助于提升质性研究的规范性、透明度、质量和认可度。
谢爱磊 , 陈嘉怡 . 质性研究的样本量判断——饱和的概念、操作与争议[J]. 华东师范大学学报(教育科学版), 2021 , 39(12) : 15 -27 . DOI: 10.16382/j.cnki.1000-5560.2021.12.002
Saturation has become an important criterion to judge the quality of qualitative research and explain the rationality of sample size. This paper systematically and critically reviews the literature and introduces three types of saturation: theoretical saturation, thematical saturation and data saturation and points out that researchers should consider their own overall research design to decide which model to adopt. The paper also introduces three ways to record the process of saturation. Among them, the structural coding book is more suitable for recording deductive thematical saturation and data saturation. There are two types of saturation tables which are more suitable for recording a prior thematical saturation. The conceptual depth scale is particularly suitable for recording theoretical saturation. This paper points out that saturation is a process rather than an event. Quality rather than quantity is the key to understand saturation. Saturation itself should be a concrete methodology practice. Researchers should pay attention to the concept of saturation and make a clear statement of the process of achieving saturation, which can help to improve the standardization, transparency, quality and recognition of qualitative research.
| null | 马凤岐, 谢爱磊 教育知识的基础与教育研究范式分类 教育研究 2020 41 05 135 148 马凤岐, 谢爱磊. (2020). 教育知识的基础与教育研究范式分类. 教育研究,41(05),135—148. |
| null | Ando, H., Cousins, R., & Young, C Achieving saturation in thematic analysis: Development and refinement of a codebook Comprehensive Psychology 2014 3 4 1 7 Ando, H., Cousins, R., & Young, C. (2014). Achieving saturation in thematic analysis: Development and refinement of a codebook. Comprehensive Psychology, 3(4), 1—7. |
| null | Barbour, R. S Checklists for improving rigor in qualitative research: a case of the tail wagging the dog? British Medical Journal 2001 322 7294 1115 1117 Barbour, R. S. (2001). Checklists for improving rigor in qualitative research: a case of the tail wagging the dog?. British Medical Journal, 322(7294), 1115—1117. |
| null | Bernard. H. R. (2000). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications. |
| null | Bertaux, D. (1981). Biography and society: the life history approach in the social sciences. California: Sage Publications. |
| null | Birks, M., & Mills, J. (2015). Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide. London: Sage. |
| null | Bowen, G. A Naturalistic inquiry and the saturation concept: a research note Qualitative Research 2008 8 1 137 152 Bowen, G. A. (2008). Naturalistic inquiry and the saturation concept: a research note. Qualitative Research, 8(1), 137—152. |
| null | Burmeister, E., & Aitken, L. M Sample size: How many is enough? Australian Critical Care 2012 25 4 271 274 Burmeister, E., & Aitken, L. M. (2012). Sample size: How many is enough?. Australian Critical Care, 25(4), 271—274. |
| null | Caelli, K., Ray, L., & Mill, J “Clear as Mud”: Toward Greater Clarity in Generic Qualitative Research International Journal of Qualitative Methods 2003 2 2 1 13 Caelli, K., Ray, L., & Mill, J. (2003). “Clear as Mud”: Toward Greater Clarity in Generic Qualitative Research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 2(2), 1—13. |
| null | Carlsen, B., & Glenton, C What about N? A methodological study of sample-size reporting in focus group studies BMC Medical Research Methodology 2011 11 26 1 10 Carlsen, B., & Glenton, C. (2011). What about N? A methodological study of sample-size reporting in focus group studies. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 11(26), 1—10. |
| null | Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications. |
| null | Constantinou, C. S., Georgiou, M., & Perdikogianni, M A comparative method for themes saturation (CoMeTS) in qualitative interviews Qualitative Research 2017 17 5 571 588 Constantinou, C. S., Georgiou, M., & Perdikogianni, M. (2017). A comparative method for themes saturation (CoMeTS) in qualitative interviews. Qualitative Research, 17(5), 571—588. |
| null | Dey, I. (1999). Grounding Grounded Theory. San Francisco, CA: Academic Press. |
| null | Fossey, E., Harvey, C., McDermott, F., & Davidson, L Understanding and evaluating qualitative research Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 2002 36 6 717 732 Fossey, E., Harvey, C., McDermott, F., & Davidson, L. (2002). Understanding and evaluating qualitative research. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 36(6), 717—732. |
| null | Francis, J. J., Johnston, M., Robertson, C., Glidewell, L., Entwistle, V., Eccles, M. P., & Grimshaw, J. M What is an adequate sample size? Operationalizing data saturation for theory-based interview studies Psychology and Health 2010 25 10 1229 1245 Francis, J. J., Johnston, M., Robertson, C., Glidewell, L., Entwistle, V., Eccles, M. P., & Grimshaw, J. M. (2010). What is an adequate sample size? Operationalizing data saturation for theory-based interview studies. Psychology and Health, 25(10), 1229—1245. |
| null | Fusch, P. I., & Ness, L. R Are we there yet? Data saturation in qualitative research The Qualitative Report 2015 20 9 1408 1416 Fusch, P. I., & Ness, L. R. (2015). Are we there yet? Data saturation in qualitative research. The Qualitative Report, 20(9), 1408—1416. |
| null | Gaskell, G. (2000). Individual and group interviewing. In: Bauer, M.W., Gaskell, G. (Eds.), Qualitative Researching with Text, Image and Sound (pp. 38–56). London: Sage. |
| null | Glaser, B, & Strauss, A.L. (1967). The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research. Chicago: Aldine. |
| null | Given, L.M. (2016). 100 Questions (and Answers) About Qualitative Research. Thousand Oaks: Sage. |
| null | Glaser, B. G. (1978). Theoretical Sensitivity. Mill Valley: Sociology Press. |
| null | Grady, M.P. (1998). Qualitative and Action Research: A Practitioner Handbook. Bloomington: Phi Delta Kappa Educational Foundation. |
| null | Guest, G., Bunce, A., & Johnson, L How many interviews are enough? An experiment with data saturation and variability Field Methods 2006 18 1 59 82 Guest, G., Bunce, A., & Johnson, L. (2006). How many interviews are enough? An experiment with data saturation and variability. Field Methods, 18(1), 59—82. |
| null | Guest, G., Namey, E., & McKenna, K How many focus groups are enough? Building an evidence base for nonprobability sample sizes Field Methods 2017 29 1 3 22 Guest, G., Namey, E., & McKenna, K. (2017). How many focus groups are enough? Building an evidence base for nonprobability sample sizes. Field Methods, 29(1), 3—22. |
| null | Hagaman, A. K., & Wutich, A How many interviews are enough to identify metathemes in multisited and cross-cultural research? Another perspective on Guest, Bunce, and Johnson’s (2006) landmark study Field Methods 2017 29 1 23 41 Hagaman, A. K., & Wutich, A. (2017). How many interviews are enough to identify metathemes in multisited and cross-cultural research? Another perspective on Guest, Bunce, and Johnson’s (2006) landmark study. Field Methods, 29(1), 23—41. |
| null | Hammersley, M Sampling and thematic analysis: a response to Fugard and Potts International Journal of Social Research Methodology 2015 18 6 687 688 Hammersley, M. (2015). Sampling and thematic analysis: a response to Fugard and Potts. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 18(6), 687—688. |
| null | Hancock, M. E., Amankwaa, L., Revell, M. A., & Mueller, D Focus group data saturation: A new approach to data analysis The Qualitative Report 2016 21 11 2124 2130 Hancock, M. E., Amankwaa, L., Revell, M. A., & Mueller, D. (2016). Focus group data saturation: A new approach to data analysis. The Qualitative Report, 21(11), 2124—2130. |
| null | Hennink, M. M., Kaiser, B. N., & Marconi, V. C Code saturation versus meaning saturation: how many interviews are enough? Qualitative Health Research 2017 27 4 591 608 Hennink, M. M., Kaiser, B. N., & Marconi, V. C. (2017). Code saturation versus meaning saturation: how many interviews are enough?. Qualitative Health Research, 27(4), 591—608. |
| null | Hennink, M. M., Kaiser, B. N., & Weber, M. B What influences saturation? Estimating sample sizes in focus group research Qualitative Health Research 2019 29 10 1483 1496 Hennink, M. M., Kaiser, B. N., & Weber, M. B. (2019). What influences saturation? Estimating sample sizes in focus group research. Qualitative Health Research, 29(10), 1483—1496. |
| null | Jassim, G. A., & Whitford, D. L Understanding the experiences and quality of life issues of Bahraini women with breast cancer Social Science & Medicine 2014 107 189 195 Jassim, G. A., & Whitford, D. L. (2014). Understanding the experiences and quality of life issues of Bahraini women with breast cancer. Social Science & Medicine, 107, 189—195. |
| null | Kerr, C., Nixon, A., & Wild, D Assessing and demonstrating data saturation in qualitative inquiry supporting patient-reported outcomes research Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research 2010 10 3 269 281 Kerr, C., Nixon, A., & Wild, D. (2010). Assessing and demonstrating data saturation in qualitative inquiry supporting patient-reported outcomes research. Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research, 10(3), 269—281. |
| null | Levitt, H.M., Bamberg, M., Creswell, J.W., Frost, D.M., Josselson, R., & Suárez-Orozco, C Journal article reporting standards for qualitative primary, qualitative meta-analytic, and mixed methods research in psychology: the APA publications and communications board task force report American Psychologist 2018 73 1 26 46 Levitt, H.M., Bamberg, M., Creswell, J.W., Frost, D.M., Josselson, R., & Suárez-Orozco, C. (2018). Journal article reporting standards for qualitative primary, qualitative meta-analytic, and mixed methods research in psychology: the APA publications and communications board task force report. American Psychologist, 73(1), 26—46. |
| null | Low, J A pragmatic definition of the concept of theoretical saturation Sociological Focus 2019 52 2 131 139 Low, J. (2019). A pragmatic definition of the concept of theoretical saturation. Sociological Focus, 52(2), 131—139. |
| null | Malterud, K., Siersma, V. D., & Guassora, A.D Sample size in qualitative interview studies: guided by information power Qualitative Health Research 2016 26 13 1753 1760 Malterud, K., Siersma, V. D., & Guassora, A.D. (2016). Sample size in qualitative interview studies: guided by information power. Qualitative Health Research, 26(13), 1753—1760. |
| null | Mason, M Sample size and saturation in PhD studies using qualitative interviews Forum Qualitative Social Research 2010 11 3 1 9 Mason, M. (2010). Sample size and saturation in PhD studies using qualitative interviews. Forum Qualitative Social Research, 11(3), 1—9. |
| null | Mays, N., & Pope, C Qualitative research in health care: Assessing quality in qualitative research British Medical Journal 2000 320 7226 50 52 Mays, N., & Pope, C. (2000). Qualitative research in health care: Assessing quality in qualitative research. British Medical Journal, 320(7226), 50—52. |
| null | Morse, J. M. (1994). Designing funded qualitative research In Norman K. Denzin & Yvonna S. Lincoln (Eds). Handbook of qualitative research (2nd ed., pp. 220−35). Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications. |
| null | Morse, J. M Determining Sample Size Qualitative Health Research 2000 10 1 3 5 Morse, J. M. (2000). Determining Sample Size. Qualitative Health Research, 10(1), 3—5. |
| null | Morse, J. M., Barrett, M., Mayan, M., Olson, K., & Spiers, J Verification strategies for establishing reliability and validity in qualitative research International journal of Qualitative Methods 2002 1 2 13 22 Morse, J. M., Barrett, M., Mayan, M., Olson, K., & Spiers, J. (2002). Verification strategies for establishing reliability and validity in qualitative research. International journal of Qualitative Methods, 1(2), 13—22. |
| null | Morse, J. M Constructing qualitatively derived theory: Concept construction and concept typologies Qualitative Health Research 2004 14 10 1387 1395 Morse, J. M. (2004). Constructing qualitatively derived theory: Concept construction and concept typologies. Qualitative Health Research, 14(10), 1387—1395. |
| null | Morse, J. M “Data were saturated...” Qualitative Health Research 2015a 25 5 587 588 Morse, J. M. (2015a). “Data were saturated..”. Qualitative Health Research, 25(5), 587—588. |
| null | Morse, J. M Critical analysis of strategies for determining rigor in qualitative inquiry Qualitative Health Research 2015b 25 9 1212 1222 Morse, J. M. (2015b). Critical analysis of strategies for determining rigor in qualitative inquiry. Qualitative Health Research, 25(9), 1212—1222. |
| null | Naegeli, A. N., Flood, E., Tucker, J., Devlen, J., & Edson-Heredia, E The patient experience with fatigue and content validity of a measure to assess fatigue severity: qualitative research in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2013 11 1 1 9 Naegeli, A. N., Flood, E., Tucker, J., Devlen, J., & Edson-Heredia, E. (2013). The patient experience with fatigue and content validity of a measure to assess fatigue severity: qualitative research in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 11(1), 1—9. |
| null | Nelson, J Using conceptual depth criteria: addressing the challenge of reaching saturation in qualitative research Qualitative Research 2017 17 5 554 570 Nelson, J. (2017). Using conceptual depth criteria: addressing the challenge of reaching saturation in qualitative research. Qualitative Research, 17(5), 554—570. |
| null | Olshansky, E.F. (2015). Generating theory using grounded theory methodology. In: de Chesnay, M.(ed.). Nursing Research Using Grounded Theory: Qualitative Designs and Methods in Nursing. New York: Springer. |
| null | Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Leech, N. L Sampling designs in qualitative research: Making the sampling process more public Qualitative Report 2007 12 2 238 254 Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Leech, N. L. (2007). Sampling designs in qualitative research: Making the sampling process more public. Qualitative Report, 12(2), 238—254. |
| null | O’Reilly, M., & Parker, N “Unsatisfactory Saturation”: A critical exploration of the notion of saturated sample sizes in qualitative research Qualitative Research 2012 13 2 190 197 O’Reilly, M., & Parker, N. (2012). “Unsatisfactory Saturation”: A critical exploration of the notion of saturated sample sizes in qualitative research. Qualitative Research, 13(2), 190—197. |
| null | Ritchie, J., & Lewis, J. (2003). Qualitative Research Practice: A Guide for Social Science Students and Researchers. Thousand Oaks: Sage. |
| null | Roberts, K., Dowell, A., & Nie, J. B Attempting rigour and replicability in thematic analysis of qualitative research data; a case study of codebook development BMC Medical Research Methodology 2019 19 1 1 8 Roberts, K., Dowell, A., & Nie, J. B. (2019). Attempting rigour and replicability in thematic analysis of qualitative research data; a case study of codebook development. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 19(1), 1—8. |
| null | Roy, K., Zvonkovic, A., Goldberg, A., Sharp, E., & LaRossa, R Sampling richness and qualitative integrity: Challenges for research with families Journal of Marriage and Family 2015 77 1 243 260 Roy, K., Zvonkovic, A., Goldberg, A., Sharp, E., & LaRossa, R. (2015). Sampling richness and qualitative integrity: Challenges for research with families. Journal of Marriage and Family, 77(1), 243—260. |
| null | Saunders, B., Sim, J., Kingstone, T., Baker, S., Waterfield, J., Bartlam, B.,... & Jinks, C Saturation in qualitative research: exploring its conceptualization and operationalization Quality & Quantity 2018 52 4 1893 1907 Saunders, B., Sim, J., Kingstone, T., Baker, S., Waterfield, J., Bartlam, B.,.. & Jinks, C. (2018). Saturation in qualitative research: exploring its conceptualization and operationalization. Quality & Quantity, 52(4), 1893—1907. |
| null | Sparkes, E., Duarte, R. V., Raphael, J. H., Denny, E., & Ashford, R. L Qualitative exploration of psychological factors associated with spinal cord stimulation outcome Chronic Illness 2012 8 4 239 251 Sparkes, E., Duarte, R. V., Raphael, J. H., Denny, E., & Ashford, R. L. (2012). Qualitative exploration of psychological factors associated with spinal cord stimulation outcome. Chronic Illness, 8(4), 239—251. |
| null | Starks, H., & Trinidad, B. S Choose your method: A comparison of phenomenology, discourse analysis, and grounded theory Qualitative Health Research 2007 17 10 1372 1380 Starks, H., & Trinidad, B. S. (2007). Choose your method: A comparison of phenomenology, discourse analysis, and grounded theory. Qualitative Health Research, 17(10), 1372—1380. |
| null | Strauss, A. L., & Corbin, J. M. (1998). Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory. California: Sage Publications. |
| null | Tracy, S. J Qualitative quality: Eight “big-tent” criteria for excellent qualitative research Qualitative Inquiry 2010 16 10 837 851 Tracy, S. J. (2010). Qualitative quality: Eight “big-tent” criteria for excellent qualitative research. Qualitative Inquiry, 16(10), 837—851. |
| null | Turner, A., Barlow, J., & Ilbery, B Play hurt, live hurt: Living with and managing osteoarthritis from the perspective of ex-professional footballers Journal of Health Psychology 2002 7 3 285 301 Turner, A., Barlow, J., & Ilbery, B. (2002). Play hurt, live hurt: Living with and managing osteoarthritis from the perspective of ex-professional footballers. Journal of Health Psychology, 7(3), 285—301. |
| null | Tutton, E., Seers, K., Langstaff, D., & Westwood, M Staff and patient views of the concept of hope on a stroke unit: a qualitative study Journal of Advanced Nursing 2012 68 9 2061 2069 Tutton, E., Seers, K., Langstaff, D., & Westwood, M. (2012). Staff and patient views of the concept of hope on a stroke unit: a qualitative study. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 68(9), 2061—2069. |
| null | Urquhart, C.(2013). Grounded Theory for Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide. Thousand Oaks: Sage. |
| null | Vandecasteele, T., Debyser, B., Van Hecke, A., De Backer, T., Beeckman, D., & Verhaeghe, S Nurses’ perceptions of transgressive behaviour in care relationships: a qualitative study Journal of Advanced Nursing 2015 71 12 2786 2798 Vandecasteele, T., Debyser, B., Van Hecke, A., De Backer, T., Beeckman, D., & Verhaeghe, S. (2015). Nurses’ perceptions of transgressive behaviour in care relationships: a qualitative study. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 71(12), 2786—2798. |
| null | van Manen, M., Higgins, I., & van der Riet, P A conversation with Max van Manen on phenomenology in its original sense Nursing & Health Sciences 2016 18 1 4 7 van Manen, M., Higgins, I., & van der Riet, P. (2016). A conversation with Max van Manen on phenomenology in its original sense. Nursing & Health Sciences, 18(1), 4—7. |
| null | Vasileiou, K., Barnett, J., Thorpe, S., & Young, T Characterising and justifying sample size sufficiency in interview-based studies: systematic analysis of qualitative health research over a 15-year period British Medical Journal 2018 18 1 1 18 Vasileiou, K., Barnett, J., Thorpe, S., & Young, T. (2018). Characterising and justifying sample size sufficiency in interview-based studies: systematic analysis of qualitative health research over a 15-year period. British Medical Journal, 18(1), 1—18. |
| null | Wray, N., Markovic, M., & Manderson, L “Researcher saturation”: the impact of data triangulation and intensive-research practices on the researcher and qualitative research process Qualitative Health Research 2007 17 10 1392 1402 Wray, N., Markovic, M., & Manderson, L. (2007). “Researcher saturation”: the impact of data triangulation and intensive-research practices on the researcher and qualitative research process. Qualitative Health Research, 17(10), 1392—1402. |
/
| 〈 |
|
〉 |
中国人文社会科学核心期刊