Participant selection procedures in qualitative research: experiences and some points for consideration

Abstract

Qualitative research is widely embraced in the social sciences and education. Among the different traditional, modern, and community-oriented qualitative methodologies, we have drawn on our experiences to adopt seven qualitative methodologies: auto/ethnography, narrative inquiry, participatory action research, ethnography, case study, grounded theory, and phenomenology. Despite the abundance of literature on qualitative methodologies, there is still a need for a more focused exploration of participant selection procedures in qualitative studies. This article examines the discourse around participant selection procedures within these seven methodologies, highlighting their unique nuances and differences. It offers practical insights and guidelines for novice and experienced researchers and graduate and postgraduate students to enhance their understanding of participant selection procedures, and some thinking points for consideration. Drawing from our experiences, we aim to provide a useful resource that encourages thoughtful consideration of participant selection in qualitative studies.

Keywords: auto/ethnography; case study; ethnography; grounded theory; narrative inquiry; participant selection; participatory action research; phenomenology.