Qualitative research often reaches data saturation within a small number of interviews
In short: A systematic review of 23 articles found that qualitative researchers can often achieve data saturation with relatively small sample sizes. The study identified that for many common research designs, the point at which no new information is being gathered occurs quite early in the process.
The researchers analyzed studies using both empirical data and statistical modeling to determine how many participants are needed before a researcher can be confident they have captured all relevant themes. They found that for homogenous populations with narrow objectives, saturation typically occurred within 9 to 17 interviews or 4 to 8 focus group discussions.
The study provides a framework for researchers and funding agencies to justify sample sizes more transparently. However, a primary limitation is that these specific numbers apply most accurately to studies with very similar participants; more complex research involving multiple countries or broader themes requires larger samples.
Why it matters: Researchers can use these empirical benchmarks to more transparently justify their sample sizes before starting data collection.
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Sources
- Source: Research: Hennink and Kaiser (2022). Sample sizes for saturation in qualitative research: A systematic review of empirical tests. Social science & medicine (1982). · cc by-nc-nd
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