01.06.02.02.03 Other types
01.06.02.02.03 Other types
How to design a research project in communication > Universe and samples >
Types > Non-probabilistic samples > Other types
Some authors extend the typology of non-probabilistic samples, which they consider suitable for qualitative research. They are as follows:
▸ Various samples or of maximum variation. Its aim is to show different perspectives of the phenomenon studied.
▸ Homogeneous samples (people with the same level of education).
▸ Snowball sampling (samples are selected based on the above).
▸ Sample of extreme cases (for example, extremely violent people).
▸ Samples for opportunity or convenience (presented to the researcher at a time, or is the most accessible).
▸ Theoretical or conceptual samples (selected cases to test these theories).
▸ Confirmatory samples (when in the analyzed cases some controversy arises, doubt… and more cases of different type are chosen to confirm or not).
▸ Samples of extremely important cases (for example, testimony of survivors of a shipwreck, or of newspaper editors who have faced extremely serious cases, for example the one represented on the so-called "Pentagon papers" by the Washington Post).
▸ Intentional, directed or reasoned sample: the person selects the sample trying to be representative, but according to his intention or opinion.
▸ Erratic or circumstantial sample: selection of cases arbitrarily (see “fortuitous or accidental” sample).