Box 1.

Examples of theoretical sampling.

In Chamberlain-Salaun35 GT study, ‘the initial purposive round of concurrent data generation and analysis generated codes around concepts of physical disability and how a person’s health condition influences the way experts interact with consumers. Based on initial codes and concepts the researcher decided to theoretically sample people with disabilities and or carers/parents of children with disabilities to pursue the concepts further’ (p. 77). In Edwards36 grounded theory study, theoretical sampling led to the inclusion of the partners of women who had presented to the emergency department. ‘In one interview a woman spoke of being aware that the ED staff had not acknowledged her partner. This statement led me to ask other women during their interviews if they had similar experiences, and ultimately to interview the partners to gain their perspectives. The study originally intended to only focus on the women and the nursing staff who provided the care’ (p. 50).