**Under what condition is deliberate sampling considered ideal?**

Deliberate sampling, also known as purposive sampling, is a non-probability sampling technique that involves selecting individuals or groups for a research study based on specific characteristics or criteria. This sampling method is considered ideal under certain conditions where researchers aim to gain in-depth insights, explore unique cases, or target specific populations. Deliberate sampling allows researchers to strategically select participants who possess the desired attributes, enabling them to study the phenomenon of interest more effectively.

**When is deliberate sampling ideal?**

1. **Exploratory Research:** Deliberate sampling is particularly suitable for exploratory research, where researchers aim to gain a deeper understanding of a particular phenomenon or topic. By purposefully selecting participants who have relevant experiences or knowledge, researchers can gather valuable insights and generate hypotheses for further investigation.

2. **Unique and Extreme Cases:** When studying unique or extreme cases, deliberate sampling is advantageous. Researchers may intentionally select participants who possess rare characteristics or have experienced unusual circumstances, allowing them to examine these cases in detail. This approach can help identify patterns, understand outliers, or discover new perspectives.

3. **Limited Availability or Accessibility:** Deliberate sampling is useful when the target population is small or difficult to access. In such cases, researchers may strategically select a limited number of participants who meet the criteria, ensuring representation from the desired population. This approach is often employed in qualitative research, where depth and richness of information are prioritized over generalizability.

4. **Heterogeneous Population:** When the population of interest is diverse and exhibits significant variation, deliberate sampling can facilitate the selection of participants who represent different segments or subgroups. This allows researchers to examine the phenomenon from multiple perspectives and capture a wide range of experiences, enhancing the validity and comprehensiveness of the study.

5. **Specialized Knowledge or Expertise:** Deliberate sampling is well-suited for research studies that require participants with specialized knowledge or expertise. By purposefully selecting individuals who possess the desired skills or qualifications, researchers can ensure that the collected data is relevant and reliable for the research objectives.

6. **Theory Development:** Deliberate sampling can be beneficial for theory-building research. Researchers may deliberately select participants who possess relevant attributes or characteristics to test or refine existing theories or develop new ones. By focusing on specific cases or individuals, researchers can explore the relationships between variables and generate theoretical insights.

In summary, deliberate sampling is considered ideal in various research scenarios, including exploratory research, unique or extreme cases, limited availability or accessibility, heterogeneous populations, specialized knowledge or expertise, and theory development. This sampling technique allows researchers to purposefully select participants who meet specific criteria, enabling them to gain in-depth insights and address their research objectives effectively.

Purposive Sampling (Deliberate Sampling)

Statistics Definitions > Purposive Sampling / Deliberate Sampling