City Research Online

Abstract

In interview studies, sample size is often justified by interviewing participants until reaching “data saturation”. However, there is no agreed method of establishing this. We propose principles for deciding saturation in theory-based interview studies (where conceptual categories are pre-established by existing theory). First, specify a minimum sample size for initial analysis (initial analysis sample). Second, specify how many more interviews will be conducted without new ideas emerging (stopping criterion). We demonstrate these principles in two studies, based on Theory of Planned Behaviour, designed to identify three belief categories (Behavioural, Normative, Control), using an initial analysis sample of 10 and stopping criterion of 3. Study 1 (retrospective analysis of existing data) identified 84 shared beliefs of 14 general medical practitioners about managing patients with sore throat without prescribing antibiotics. The criterion for saturation was achieved for Normative beliefs but not for other beliefs or study-wise saturation. In Study 2 (prospective analysis), 17 relatives of people with Paget’s disease of the bone reported 44 shared beliefs about taking genetic testing. Study-wise data saturation was achieved at interview 17. We propose specification of these principles for reporting data saturation in theory-based interview studies. The principles may be adaptable for other types of studies.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is an Author's Original Manuscript of an article whose final and definitive form, the Version of Record, has been published in the Psychology & Health, 2010. © 2010 Taylor & Francis, available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08870440903194015.
Publisher Keywords:	data saturation, sample size, interviews as topic, models, psychological, theory-based content analysis
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Healthcare Services Research & Management
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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