Saturation in qualitative research: exploring its conceptualization and operationalization

Benjamin Saunders, Julius Sim (), Tom Kingstone, Shula Baker, Jackie Waterfield (), Bernadette Bartlam, Heather Burroughs and Clare Jinks
Additional contact information
Benjamin Saunders: Keele University
Julius Sim: Keele University
Tom Kingstone: Keele University
Shula Baker: Keele University
Jackie Waterfield: Queen Margaret University
Bernadette Bartlam: Keele University
Heather Burroughs: Keele University
Clare Jinks: Keele University

Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, 2018, vol. 52, issue 4, No 23, 1893-1907

Abstract: Abstract Saturation has attained widespread acceptance as a methodological principle in qualitative research. It is commonly taken to indicate that, on the basis of the data that have been collected or analysed hitherto, further data collection and/or analysis are unnecessary. However, there appears to be uncertainty as to how saturation should be conceptualized, and inconsistencies in its use. In this paper, we look to clarify the nature, purposes and uses of saturation, and in doing so add to theoretical debate on the role of saturation across different methodologies. We identify four distinct approaches to saturation, which differ in terms of the extent to which an inductive or a deductive logic is adopted, and the relative emphasis on data collection, data analysis, and theorizing. We explore the purposes saturation might serve in relation to these different approaches, and the implications for how and when saturation will be sought. In examining these issues, we highlight the uncertain logic underlying saturation—as essentially a predictive statement about the unobserved based on the observed, a judgement that, we argue, results in equivocation, and may in part explain the confusion surrounding its use. We conclude that saturation should be operationalized in a way that is consistent with the research question(s), and the theoretical position and analytic framework adopted, but also that there should be some limit to its scope, so as not to risk saturation losing its coherence and potency if its conceptualization and uses are stretched too widely.

Keywords: Saturation; Data collection; Data analysis; Grounded theory; Qualitative research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (352)

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DOI: 10.1007/s11135-017-0574-8

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