title: Purposeful Sampling for Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis in Mixed Method Implementation Research.
abstract: Purposeful sampling is widely used in qualitative research for the identification and selection of information-rich cases related to the phenomenon of interest. Although there are several different purposeful sampling strategies, criterion sampling appears to be used most commonly in implementation research. However, combining sampling strategies may be more appropriate to the aims of implementation research and more consistent with recent developments in quantitative methods. This paper reviews the principles and practice of purposeful sampling in implementation research, summarizes types and categories of purposeful sampling strategies and provides a set of recommendations for use of single strategy or multistage strategy designs, particularly for state implementation research.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 W. 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-0411, USA, palinkas@usc.edu.
authors.forename: Lawrence A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Palinkas
authors.forename: Sarah M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Horwitz
authors.forename: Carla A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Jennifer P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Wisdom
authors.forename: Naihua
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Duan
authors.forename: Kimberly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hoagwood
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design; D012494:Sampling Studies