What is purposeful sampling?

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.

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.

Purposeful Sampling for Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis in Mixed Method Implementation
Research

Palinkas, Lawrence & M Horwitz, Sarah & Green, Carla & Wisdom, Jennifer & Duan, Naihua &
Hoagwood, Kimberly. (2013). Purposeful Sampling for Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis in Mixed
Method Implementation Research. Administration and policy in mental health. 42. 10.1007/s10488-013-
0528-y.