Vol.

2 Issue-5, JAN 2022 (e-ISSN: 2582-8223)

The Role of Purposive Sampling Technique as a Tool

for Informal Choices in a Social Sciences in Research
Methods
Fr. Baiju Thomas
Research Scholar, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute,
Faculty of Disability Management and Special Education, Vidyalaya Campus,
SRKV Post, Coimbatore

ARTICLE ID: 047

Abstract
The present study discourse on the role of the purposive sampling technique as a tool
for informed choices in social sciences in research methods. Various sampling approaches are
employed in social science research to study a wide range of topics. It is vital to choose the
most efficient way of sample collection. The study's initial goal is to identify the sampling
technique used to collect the data. Others procedures will be addressed as well. Our primary
focus is on the various kinds of probability and non-probability. There are advantages and
disadvantages to all of these methods. The most crucial factor in judging the worth of an idea,
technique, or object is how appealing it appears. This product seems to be a significant
problem due to the light cone. Purposeful sampling is being used in various ways, based on
study design, as according to research papers. Every study has a tried-and-true method for
collecting and analyzing data. There are many considerations to consider while selecting a
sample method for each analysis. The proper sampling technique must be chosen when doing
a particular research study. A variety of sample procedures should be considered before
making a final decision. The investigator must know the "Pros and Cons" of each sampling
method before deciding.As easy or hard it is to perform purposeful sampling has as many
perspectives since there are people who think it. This means your results are valid and
reliable because your sample is much more tightly connected to your research purpose. In this
concept, consistency, extension, dependence and rational dependability are the
components.For research in a cultural context, a non-probability sampling technique termed
purposeful sampling is the best option. In all qualitative research methods, usinga tailored
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sample can be a boon. Despite the method's apparent bias, it can achieve better results than

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Vol.2 Issue-5, JAN 2022 (e-ISSN: 2582-8223)

random sampling. The investigator's reliability and competence must be confirmed before
choosing a purposeful sample in social science research methods.
Keywords: Purposive Sampling, Social Science, Research Methods, Tool and Informative
Choices.
Introduction
Developing predictive concepts necessitates the collection of relevant data (Bernard
2002). No amount of preparation can make up for a bad data gathering technique or a wrong
data source (Bernard et al. 1986). Purposive sampling should be viewed as information
producers because they have a deep knowledge of plant species. Most studies fail to establish
the use of a method as a consequence. Purposive sampling can be used in a research
endeavour to quickly and effectively narrow down the pool of potential participants (also
known as judgment sampling). No prior knowledge or a predetermined number of informants
are required for the non-random technique. The first stage in conducting research is to find
people who are willing to share their knowledge and experience (Bernard 2002, Lewis &
Sheppard 2006). Either one, just a few culture interpreters, can be an efficient way to use
purposeful sampling (Bernard 2002; Garcia 2006; Gustad et al. 2004, Jarvis et al. 2004, Lyon
& Hardesty 2005). Bernard's intended audience is those informed about the history and are
happy to disclose their expertise (Campbell 1955; Seidler 1974; Tremblay 1957).Research is
a study and experimentation method which involves acquiring, examining, and analyzing
data to answer a question or solve an issue (AnandBallabh Joshi, 2004). Because of its
systematic nature, it collects data using specific policies and techniques. To develop that
competence, the investigator must sift through a substantial quantity of explicit and general
stuff, which is not always straightforward. As a result, fulfilling the study's task would have
been very unattainable in such a setting. As an outcome, whenever the populace is
exceptionally vast, techniques including such sampling are often used, and purposeful
sampling is among the most extensively utilized kinds of sampling, with the investigator
playing a pivotal role.A well-thought-out sampling strategy was required to find people who
were open to sharing and experiencing plants. The populations, scientific methods, and most
significant points of each study are described in depth in this document. An investigator's
credibility was also examined in this study.
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Using the Purposive Sampling Method

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Vol.2 Issue-5, JAN 2022 (e-ISSN: 2582-8223)

The subject the investigator is ready to give is of utmost importance when selecting a
sampling procedure for source selection. The issue will determine the goals for which the
technique will be built. The much more crucial choice here is not whether to study the overall
population, as well as how to efficiently choose the inhabitants. That many people will be
named as suspects? What level of organization and society would be evaluated? Purposive
sampling is required to assure generalizability of the study and that the data collected is
consistent, reliable, and useful (Alexiades 1996, Bernard 1996).The researcher must then
decide if purposive sampling is the most suitable tool for the study. The sample size under
inquiry is typically minimal, in contrast to probability approaches. It's a type of non-
probability sampling in which the investigator determines who should be included in the
sample based on several characteristics such as subject matter expertise or the ability and
desire to engage in the study (Paul Oliver, 2015).According to Adolph Jenson, "purposive
sampling" is described as "the technique of selecting the number of sets of components in
such a way that the object depending make approximately the same estimation or percent as
the population for those personal characteristics that are currently the subject of data
gathering" (S.R.Myneni, 2015).Moreover, unlike the other qualitative studies collection
methods, purposeful sampling aims not to pick a representative sample from society to
translate the outcomes to a sizeable intended audience. The ultimate goal of the qualitative
approach might be to finish it (Paul Oliver, 2015).Purposive sampling consists of a variety of
non-probability sampling methods. Purposeful sampling is the emphasis of the investigator's
sampling designing phase for the objects to be studied. Evaluating, choosing, or purposeful
sampling are other terms for the same thing. Purposive sampling has a longstanding history
and opinions on how basic and easy it varies more than opinions on how advanced it is. By
comparing the populace to the study's initial aims and goals, purposeful sampling improves
the study's continuity and accuracy of data and conclusions. Reliability, comparability,
originality, and validity are the four aspects of this concept that were investigated using social
science research methods.
Types of purposive sampling
The method of purposive sampling can be applied in several situations (Patton, 1990,
2002; Kuzel, 1999). The succeeding is some examples of purposive sampling methods:
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Maximum variation sampling

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Vol.2 Issue-5, JAN 2022 (e-ISSN: 2582-8223)

Maximum variation sampling, also recognized as vast and varied sampling, is a

purposive sampling technique for going to capture a diversity of views about the object
you're keen to know about; that is, maximum variation sampling is an undertaking for
differences in points of view that also seem to distance from the common to the extraordinary
in essentially.
Homogeneous sampling
Homogenous sampling is a type of purposive sampling that aims to produce a
homogenous solution or one in which all of the components havethe same traits or properties.
Homogeneous sampling is the complete antithesis of the highest variance sampling in this
regard. A homogeneous sample is commonly used when the research topic is specific to the
features of a particular population.
Typical case sampling
Since descriptive analytics of the object you're dealing with are foreseeable, a typical
example sample is a purposive sampling strategy. The term "typical" does not imply that the
individuals were selected at random when the sample size was calculated.Instead, the word
"typical" relates to a researcher's comparing the findings of a study utilizing usual example
sampling to that of related research
Total population sampling
Total population sampling is a form of purposive sampling method in which you
examine the entire populace for just a set of characteristics. In these circumstances, the total
population is often chosen because the crowd with the precise location of qualities you're
seeking is so limited.
Advantages of purposive sampling
• To assist, several qualitative research methods have indeed been designed:
Investigators can use a variety of qualitative studies while concentrating on purposive
sampling. These designs usually necessitate a one-of-a-kind sampling strategy and
technique to obtain the essential data to form a conclusion. The
purposive sampling approach's multiple methods make research planning more
customizable, allowing for the employment of various tactics as needed to obtain the
intended outcome.
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• There still is time to begin making a judgment based on evidence: While

researchers are unable to extrapolate data from a single sample to draw future.
Ultimately about the total population, the various purposive sampling procedures let
researchers establish broader inferences predicated on their sampling. These
endeavors must have a proper, interpretative, or intellectual context to be enforceable.
• Purposive sampling could be broken up into several stages: Purposive sampling
can require investigators to go through numerous locations, which each relies on prior
ones. This strategy is helpful since it offers a researcher a bigger pool of non-
probability sampling possibilities to pick from, even though it usually demands more
expertise and activity at the start of each step.
• It saves a lot of time by facilitating data collection: Purposeful sampling's
versatility enables researchers to save some time & expense while gathering data. It
allows actual training as the situation changes, especially when they do so
unexpectedly.
• The purposive sample with the highest level of variance will still be possible to
achieve: Using a specific strategy in this research selection, it is possible to select
people from various situations related to the issue under discussion. This technique
aims to provide investigators with as much information as possible on any vital
subject they're studying.
Disadvantages of purposive sampling
• It features a large number of inaccurate statistical inference methodologies:
When you use purposive sampling to collect data, you'll see that this approach
incorporates a variety of inference techniques. These numbers have been updated and
are no longer accurate.
• This strategy is highly subject to investigator bias: Regardless of the method
employed to collect data, researchers are susceptible to bias during purposeful
sampling. In the beginning, a sample is created by the researcher's interpretation and
evaluation of the data.
• It can be challenging to demonstrate that a representative sample: The
researchers must be able to demonstrate that their judgment in selecting different units
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or individuals was appropriate for the approach as a whole before using purposeful
sampling. Emotional insecurity casts a cloud over everyone in every setting.
• Purposeful sampling can affect the data of surveys: Behavior may alter when one
hears that they have been selected for research. Your attitude and behavior can either
help or impede an investigation. There are certain persons whose beliefs require that
they lie to succeed.
• This can be ineffective if performed to an enormous population: The whole
sampling is employed in circumstances where only a few people or units exhibit the
desired traits. Purposive sampling would be nearly tricky if the premise were
enthused.
Conclusion
The Indigenous herbal study includes human partners, necessitating an emphasis on
informant selection methods. For the same or even better results than random sampling, there
are times when purposeful sampling is the better option. Purposive sampling should be
emphasized more in social science research methods. Investigators use a planned sampling
technique while also relying on their prior experience, judgment, and intelligence and get the
most out of their sample. Purposive sampling is the only viable option when some units are
crucial. There must be an explanation of how participants are chosen to ensure that the
research method is sound. From these examples, beginning statisticians could learn how to
conduct rigorous social science research methods.
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