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A Pragmatic Definition of the Concept of Theoretical Saturation
Abstract
In this article I critically discuss the concept of theoretic saturation, first presented by Glaser and Strauss in their classic book The Discovery of Grounded Theory. Over my almost two-decade career of using, researching, and publishing on qualitative methods, I have lost count of the number of qualitative researchers that have defined saturation as an instance where “no new information” emerges from data analysis. I argue that such a definition is problematic. It provides no didactic guidance on how researchers can determine such a point, and it is a logical fallacy, as there are always new theoretic insights as long as data continue to be collected. Finally, much new work on saturation focuses on how many interviews are required to reach it rather than developing definitions of what it is. In response I present what I argue is a more cogent and pragmatic definition of theoretic saturation.
... Participants received a $40 Visa gift card for their participation and another $10 gift card once anyone they referred completed an interview. Although the original goal was to interview 60 participants, empirical and theoretical saturation was reached after interviewing 50 participants (Low, 2019;Henson, 2020). Of the total participants, 28 were recruited through flyering, and the remaining 22 were referred by 16 of the street-recruited participants. ...
... Participants received a $40 Visa gift card for their participation and another $10 gift card once anyone they referred completed an interview. Although the original goal was to interview 60 participants, empirical and theoretical saturation was reached after interviewing 50 participants (Low, 2019;Henson, 2024a, b). Of the total participants, 28 were recruited through flyering, and the remaining 22 were referred by 16 of the street-recruited participants. ...
... Therefore, this approach allows for in-depth examination without deviating from the research's core focus [46]. Fourteen participants were interviewed until saturation was reached [47]. ...
... The data was transcribed and analyzed using Structuration theory as a lens, focusing on the duality of structure [8]. The vertical approach was adopted, and an interpretivist approach was employed to analyze the findings [47]. The interpretive paradigm was used to subjectively interpret the findings [11]. ...
... A total of 56 participants were recruited. Saturation, the point at which sampled data appropriately represents the target population, was determined using the criteria of Thorne (depth, richness, detail, and coherence) [60][61][62][63][64][65]. As analysis was conducted in tandem with recruitment, saturation was assessed continually for five months among the team while codes and themes were discussed. ...
Background
Globally, ambulance services face overwhelming primary and urgent care presentations that they are not structurally or culturally designed to manage efficiently or effectively. One mechanism to meet this consumer demand is the implementation of Paramedic Practitioner models with postgraduate qualifications in primary and urgent care. This study explores interest-holder views on reactive Paramedic Practitioner models within Australian ambulance services.
Methods
A multidisciplinary team representing ambulance services was formed, including paramedicine, nursing, and medicine. A realist lens was adopted, and a qualitative research design using inductive thematic analysis employed. Semi-structured focus groups or interviews were conducted to obtain data from 56 participants. Interest-holders represented included consumers (n = 16), members of parliament (n = 3), government executives (n = 8), industry executives representing emergency medicine, general practice, nursing, and paramedicine (n = 6), ambulance service executives and medical directors (n = 7), researchers (n = 8), and practicing clinicians from paramedicine, nursing, and medicine (n = 8).
Results
Consumers described calling ambulance services for non-emergency complaints as they didn’t know if their concern was an emergency or not, not wanting to go to hospital, and wanting someone to listen to them, reassure them, and then quickly solve their problem on the spot: they saw Paramedic Practitioners as aptly meeting this need. Among the healthcare professions, opinions were divided. Most participants were largely unfamiliar with Paramedic Practitioners or the evidence base supporting this model of practice, the concept received widespread support at the clinician level, and a small but avidly dissenting contingent of national policymakers opposed the models. Paramedic Practitioner models were considered to require broad support across the healthcare system to be effective. Policymakers were unsure which outcomes they wanted measured to evaluate models.
Conclusion
This study reports a wide range of interest-holder perspectives on the use of reactive Paramedic Practitioners within Australian ambulance services. Enablers (n = 10) and barriers (n = 10) to efficient and effective Paramedic Practitioner models were identified. Key outcomes of interest (n = 6) were identified, and these may be operationalised in future evaluations of reactive Paramedic Practitioner programs.
... We had an initial target recruitment of between 12-20 participants, which is typical for a qualitative study of this nature to be able to reach theoretical saturation. 34 Recruitment began with a convenience sample and then employed snowball sampling. We conceptualized theoretical saturation as the point where we were confident that we had been rigorous enough in our data collection, analysis and interpretation to garner rich, unique and nuanced insights that would resonate. ...
Background: Medical students in Canada report significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation, psychological stress, as well as mood and anxiety disorders, compared to age matched general population. We are still early in the process of having a comprehensive approach to learner wellbeing that centers around health promoting learning environments (HPLE) - focusing on more systemic actions as guided by the international Okanagan Charter. To move forward, we need to further understand what learners, faculty and staff view as critical components in an HPLE and explore how we can best advance efforts to create and embed HPLEs in medical education. The objectives of this study were to elucidate how medical students define an HPLE and what medical students perceive as the main barriers and facilitating factors to developing and fostering HPLEs. Methods: We undertook an exploratory qualitative study using virtual semi-structured interviews of how medical students define an HPLE and the facilitators and barriers of this. We used thematic analysis to review all transcripts with ongoing iterative analysis. Final themes were agreed on consensus. Results: We interviewed 14 medical students from all years at the University of Alberta. We identified four overarching themes which serve as important components of an HPLE including that HPLEs have foundational characteristics of respect, transparency, and open communication. Developing HPLEs require multi-pronged approaches that starts with ensuring basic needs are met and empowering learners to make health promoting choices. Learners identified that a culture of wellbeing is driven by wellbeing centered leadership. A safe space to take an active role in influencing their environment help learners thrive. Conclusions: Our study focused on elucidating medical student perspectives on factors that contribute to and foster a health promoting learning environment. Our findings can inform on systemic efforts to embed wellbeing into medical education in Canada.
... The sample was determined by theoretical saturation. A point when no additional themes or insights emerge from the data collection, and all conceptual categories have been explored, identified, and completed (22). ...
Background
Illicit alcohol consumption is a major public health problem in Zambia and many other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine drivers of illicit alcohol consumption among at-risk populations, such as youths, in selected urban areas in Zambia, using the social-ecological model as a lens to understand these drivers.
Methods
Through a qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, Zambia Revenue Authority, local council public health departments, and rehabilitation centers. We also interviewed 30 alcohol consumers who frequent alcohol retail settings such as bars or liquor stores. Participants were purposively selected based on their knowledge of illicit alcohol consumption.
Results
Social demographic factors such as age and sex were identified as key drivers. Adolescents as young as 10 years old initiated illicit consumption, with males constituting the majority of consumers. Limited job opportunities and recreational facilities in communities encouraged young people to consume illicit alcohol; this is worsened by the availability of alcohol in their social circles. Peer influence was also found to be a major driver of illicit alcohol consumption, as cultural norms normalized alcohol use. Lack of productive activities and economic disparities were also found to drive consumption among this group. Low-income individuals sought cheaper alternatives, such as home-distilled or fermented spirits, due to their affordability and availability in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Social norms, such as the consumption of homemade alcoholic beverages during social gatherings such as weddings, were also significant drivers.
Conclusion
Despite policies and state agencies banning illicit alcohol sale and production, the sale of alcoholic beverages to young people and weak enforcement of regulations across the country, especially in urban areas increases young people’s risk of consuming illicit alcohol. Applying the social-ecological model emphasizes the need for multi-level interventions. These interventions should target individuals, communities, and policy levels. Specifically, they should aim to regulate alcohol consumption, disrupt the social environments that promote illicit alcohol consumption, and ultimately facilitate positive behavior change among young people.
... The fundamental concerns that I have with sample size saturation in education as a hallmark of rigour, especially that determined prior to data analysis, is that it is anchored to the (post)positivist notion that a universal, fixed, stable 'truth' can be found in the data if you observe 'enough' behaviour in education or ask 'enough' people about the same or similar questions, which is philosophically incompatible with interpretive qualitative research in education. I would go so far as to agree with Low (2019), who argued that saturation defined as no new information 'is a logical fallacy, as there are always new theoretical insights to be made as long as data continues to be collected and analysed' (p. 131). ...
There has been a proliferation of qualitative approaches to researching education. While this has resulted in the construction of a rich tapestry of knowledge about education, it has also resulted in disparate research ideas, processes and practices, and created tensions relating to what constitutes rigorous qualitative research in education. As such, the aim of this paper was to use a multidisciplinary perspective and draw on concepts and practices relating to research coherence, reflexivity, transparency, authenticity, sincerity, credibility and ethics to (1) problematise traditional approaches to rigour in qualitative education research and (2) support those who do interpretive qualitative education research to select and embed relevant concepts and practices to increase and evidence the rigour of their work. I end this paper with an attempt to galvanise interpretive qualitative researchers in education to reflexively consider and justify the ways and extent to which their research decisions, processes and practices are rigorous.
... These codes were then grouped into broader categories and themes through a process of constant comparison, where similarities and differences between codes were identified and explored. Theoretical saturation, the point at which no new themes or insights emerge from the data, was used as a criterion for determining the sample size and concluding data collection (Low, 2019;Glaser and Strauss, 2017). Once theoretical saturation was achieved, the final step involved refining and integrating the emerging themes into a coherent theoretical framework that captures the essence of fan loyalty to the Karachi Kings. ...
Purpose
This study explores the factors that contribute to fan loyalty for a losing sports team, with a specific focus on the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League. The research aims to uncover the motives that influence fans’ unwavering support for a team that consistently underperforms.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research design was utilized, involving semi-structured interviews with a diverse sample of Karachi Kings fans. Data were analyzed using grounded theory principles to uncover key themes. This approach allowed for an in-depth understanding of the underlying psychological and sociocultural factors. Grounded theory was chosen to systematically generate insights from data, particularly because fan loyalty in current contexts remains underexplored.
Findings
The research identified five main themes that influence fan loyalty: identity integration, emotional attachment, cognitive coherence, behavioral consistency and social connectivity. Fans exhibited a strong psychological connection to the Karachi Kings, fueled by regional pride, shared experiences and a sense of community. The findings emphasize the importance of creating a strong fan community and nurturing emotional bonds through consistent engagement and shared experiences.
Originality/value
This study demonstrated how psychological and sociocultural factors combine to sustain support for a losing team. It broadens the understanding of sports fandom by emphasizing that fan loyalty extends beyond a team’s success or failure, being deeply rooted in identity, emotions and social connections. This research offers a nuanced view of fan behavior in a non-Western context and provides valuable insights for developing marketing strategies and fostering community engagement in sports management.
... Dit opstellen gebeurde volgens het principe van theoretische saturatie. 22 Dat wil zeggen: we zochten naar indicatoren en verschijningsvormen die toegevoegd konden worden tot het moment dat we vaststelden dat verder zoeken geen nieuwe meer opleverde. Dit betekent niet dat elke specifieke vorm genoemd is. ...
Nieuw rapport over inperking maatschappelijke tegenmacht in Nederland! De rechtsstaat in Nederland staat onder druk. Ook de ruimte voor maatschappelijke tegenmacht. Dit is de verzameling van maatschappelijke krachten en actoren die in staat zijn om kritisch toezicht te houden op machtsstructuren, invloed uit te oefenen op beleidsvorming, en een tegenwicht te bieden aan dominante politieke, economische of institutionele machten. Het gaat dan om maatschappelijke organisaties, sociale bewegingen, media en universiteiten. Maar ook andere actoren uit de culturele sector, bedrijfsleven en individuele activisten. In dit rapport geven wij een handreiking om in vroege stadia inperking van maatschappelijke tegenmacht te herkennen. We brengen de vele vormen daarvan in beeld, en hoe je deze kunt analyseren. Zo kunnen we inperking van maatschappelijke tegenmacht beter herkennen en er actie op ondernemen.
Dit werk kwam tot stand met steun van Stichting Democratie en Media
... The interviews lasted for an average of 53 min. The study sought to achieve pragmatic saturation, "a definition of saturation that stays true to foundational assumptions of grounded theory", which can, however, never be absolute [32,33]. ...
Introduction
Research into management and leadership in healthcare has revealed that the organizational context influences quality improvement, which is why research is needed to better understand the particulars of leadership in the relatively unexplored field of prehospital emergency care. This includes aspects of managerial work related to managers' experiences and their understanding of their roles and existing operational routines. Therefore, this study aims to explore managers' experiences with management and leadership in the context of prehospital emergency care in Sweden.
Methods
A qualitative interview study design was conducted with 15 unit managers in prehospital emergency care from four of Sweden’s 21 regions. The transcripts from the in-depth interviews were subjected to inductive content analysis and reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.
Results
Three generic categories related to the managerial role were identified: challenges, openness and trust, and experience-based leadership. The challenges managers faced were a. lack of physical proximity; b. staff needs for knowledge and competency development; c. staff level of responsibility related to operating procedures and guidelines; and d. work culture. Trust was developed through open and personalized communication, trusting relationships, authenticity, and empathic ability. Experience-based leadership was cultivated over time through practice, reflection, guidance from peers, theoretical leadership training, and the adaptation of organizational structures.
Conclusions
We found the managerial role to be location independent, characterized by openness and trust, and cultivated through experience. In an environment characterized by academic training and work at distances, leaders manage individuals and remote teams while respecting individuals’ independence. They supported staff competence development and their desire to take responsibility through open and trusting relationships established through creating opportunities for competency development and a “learning-by-doing” epistemology built upon reflective practice.
... These findings collectively demonstrate that the BM Formula offers a methodologically sound alternative to traditional sampling approaches, particularly valuable for its systematic consideration of study complexity levels. The statistical equivalence between the two approaches, especially in moderate to complex studies, suggests that the BM Formula successfully captures the nuanced requirements of different research contexts while maintaining statistical rigor, as advocated by Low [30] and Mwita [40] in their discussions of sampling methodology. ...
Determining appropriate sample sizes in qualitative research has traditionally relied on data saturation, lacking predetermined mathematical formulas. Initial efforts by Tullis and Wood introduced basic calculation methods for user experience research, while Yocco proposed preliminary equations for interview-based studies. Balboni further developed these concepts, introducing complexity factors in sample size determination. Building on these foundations, the Benneh-Mensah (BM) Formula integrates study complexity parameters, researcher expertise levels, and statistical confidence intervals into a comprehensive calculation method. Statistical analysis demonstrates strong correlation (r=0.998) between BM Formula and traditional approaches, with no significant differences in moderate to complex studies (t=1.632, p=0.178). The formula provides systematic sample size reductions based on researcher expertise, ranging from 74.8% for advanced researchers to 80.3% for experts. Key findings validate its effectiveness across diverse research contexts, from healthcare to cross-cultural studies. The BM Formula offers a mathematically robust alternative to traditional saturation approaches, enabling precise sample size determination before data collection. Researchers are recommended to implement this formula with appropriate parameter documentation and continuous monitoring of saturation indicators.
... Nevertheless, the theoretical insights emerging from this exploratory study suggest that theoretical saturation has been reached, as evidenced by the consistent repetition of conceptual patterns across the interviews analysed (Low, 2019). ...
Agroecology advocates the transformation to sustainable agri‐food systems by renouncing production maximization and holistically integrating ecological and social aspects. The new peasantry fosters such sustainable agri‐food systems based on agroecological principles, driven by values of care for nature and people. In fact, values ascribed to nature can be pivotal in promoting sustainable agri‐food systems. Exploring which values, that is intrinsic, instrumental, and relational values, underpin agroecological initiatives and how they are assembled in farming practices could hold promise for moving towards agroecological transitions.
We performed semi‐structured interviews with 15 new peasantry women who were active managers of agroecological initiatives in rural areas of the Madrid region, Spain.
We found that new peasantry women expressed plural values of nature and frequently mentioned the relational values of meaningful occupation, care of nature and stewardship, and social relations.
Values were articulated in three assemblages in which the (in‐)dependency of the values differed: co‐occurrence, bundling and blending. In co‐occurrence, the values coexisted without relating to each other. In bundling, the values were linked creating a narrative but their existence does not depend on each other. In blending, the values were mutually dependent. We found that instrumental and relational values often blended.
We conclude that the plural and assembled appearance of values align with agroecological principles, being key to achieving bottom‐up agroecological transitions that care and have a sense of duty for biodiversity and fellow humans.
Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
... As a pragmatic decision was taken to include this study [23], all Victorian ECEC services listed on the Australian Government's ECEC website as offering onsite food provision (n = 1068 as at Quarter 1 -from January to March 2022) [24] were emailed information describing the study, with a link to a 10-min online survey. ECEC services were asked to indicate their eligibility in terms of a) operating at least 8 h/ day for 48 weeks/annum and b) providing breakfast on-site. ...
Background
Breakfast is vital for young children’s health. In Australia, breakfast is often provided in government-approved Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services. However, research on breakfast provision in Australian ECEC services is limited. This study aimed to evaluate breakfast quality and enablers and barriers of breakfast provision in these settings.
Methods
A multi-method, sequential explanatory design was employed, including survey, on-site visits, and semi-structured interviews. ECEC services offering breakfast in Victoria, Australia, participated in an online survey to assess breakfast provision quality based on Victorian Health Eating Advisory Service (HEAS) guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression was utilised to identify the relationship between breakfast quality and service characteristics. A subset of services participated in 1-day observational visits and 30-min semi-structured interviews. The on-site visits observed breakfast foods and environments, while interviews explored enablers or barriers of breakfast provision.
Results
Fifty ECEC services participated in the online survey, with common breakfast items such as cereal, bread, and milk being frequently provided, while fruits and vegetables were among the least common items offered. Only 10–16% of services met the HEAS definitions of high-quality standards, and these centres were mostly located in socioeconomically advantaged areas. Of these, four services participated in the on-site observation phase, where the use of full-cream milk and multigrain bread was commonly noted. Additionally, eight interviews (two from each centre) were conducted to explore enablers and barriers to healthy breakfast provision. Key enablers included government funding and the use of nutritional guidelines, while barriers involved time constraints, budget limitations, staffing shortages, and insufficient confidence in applying and utilising nutrition guidance.
Conclusion
Fruits and vegetables are rarely provided at breakfast in ECEC settings, and only a small number of ECEC services met high-quality breakfast standards, with those in socio-economically advantaged areas more likely to achieve these standards. Targeted interventions, particularly in disadvantaged areas, are essential to improve the quality of breakfast provision, with a focus on including fruits and vegetables in line with guidelines. While the findings of this study had jurisdictional limitations, this study highlighted the importance of addressing issues such as time constraints, budget limitations, and staffing shortages, along with establishing practical and clear breakfast guidelines to enhance the quality of breakfast provision in ECEC settings. Further research is needed to explore specific and actionable strategies for implementing these improvements.
... In total, our data collection and analysis contained 10 of these iterative interview cycles, between which adjustments to our protocol were made. It was at this point that few new substantial theoretical insights emerged from the data (i.e., pragmatic theoretical saturation: Low, 2019;Strauss & Corbin, 1998). ...
While individuals intuitively understand what pet peeves are, academic research lacks a full explanation of their nature and consequences. We begin addressing this issue by adopting a sensemaking perspective in an inductive interview-based study providing a foundation for future research in two significant ways. First, we establish a more precise definition of pet peeves as a self-centered annoyance containing personalized cognitive and affective components. The cognitive component is grounded in individuals’ values and expectations and defines the “what” of a pet peeve. The affective component defines the latent aversion attached to prospective violations of those values and expectations. Second, we develop a theoretical model of the pet peeves sensemaking process that incorporates the four sensemaking types described by Sandberg and Tsoukas. As a whole, this work represents an important first step toward establishing pet peeves as formal academic concept.
... Preliminary exploratory coding was initiated in parallel with interviewing. Recruitment was ceased when pragmatic saturation was achieved (Low, 2019). ...
Purpose
This study aims to explore school health promotion (HP) as a set of institutionally embedded professional practices.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a qualitative study using data from nineteen interviews with school professionals in Sweden. Data analysis was informed by practice theory and an institutional logic perspective.
Findings
School professionals constructed practical understandings of HP at the intersection between institutional directives and professional values. Professionals were challenged by multiple and occasionally ambiguous policy directives as well as by multiple tiers of governance. Professional understandings of institutional directives were mediated by a bureaucratic logic and three instantiations of a professional logic (competence, pragmatic and entrepreneurial). School leadership was perceived as a crucial link between institutional directives and professional practices.
Practical implications
The findings draw attention to the need for policy revision and disambiguation as well as the need for establishing dynamic institutional dialogues across levels of governance. These measures can foster sage leadership and fruitful interprofessional collaboration within school HP.
Originality/value
The findings provide a multi-perspective view of school HP and link professional values to institutional ones. The study sheds light on the explanatory relevance of human cognition in practice contexts.
... Although some authors suggest that saturation is essential to qualitative data, equating it often with a large number of interviews until no new data emerges (Low 2019;Saunders et al. 2018), this is not a universally held view. Boddy argues sample sizes of one (if appropriately justified) and like population groups as low as twelve can still be high quality (Boddy 2016). ...
... data (e.g., its richness, complexity, diversity) 62 . Based on recent sample size recommendations for qualitative research with homogenous populations and well-defined objectives 63,64 , we anticipate that we may need to hold 4-8 focus groups with each stakeholder group, with each focus group involving approximately 4-6 participants, to generate adequate data. ...
Background Breast cancer and its treatment can have long-term adverse effects on physical and mental health. Evidence-based guidelines recommend that healthcare professionals (HCPs) advise women with breast cancer to engage in physical activity to improve health outcomes. However, support to be active is not standard care. The PURE-EX (EXpanding into communities to imProve physical activity sUpport foR womEn after breast cancer) programme aims to address this knowledge-practice gap. Aim To co-develop a programme that integrates physical activity referrals into standard care for women after treatment for early-stage and locally-advanced breast cancer. Programme components will include: 1. A referral pathway enabling HCPs to refer women to community-based physical activity programmes after they have completed primary treatment for breast cancer; 2. An online training course to support community providers in adapting their existing physical activity programmes for women who have undergone breast cancer treatment. Work Packages We will co-develop, refine, and evaluate PURE-EX programme components through four work packages (WPs): WP1. Conduct a systematic scoping review to describe the characteristics of community-based physical activity programmes for women with breast cancer reported in the literature. WP2. Undertake qualitative research with: (i) women with breast cancer, (ii) HCPs responsible for their care, and (ii) exercise professionals, to explore barriers and facilitators to incorporating physical activity into breast cancer care from different perspectives. WP3. Hold co-development events to develop and refine components of the PURE-EX programme and gain insights as to how it could be operationalised in practice. WP4. Conduct a feasibility trial in 45 women who have finished primary treatment for breast cancer to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the PURE-EX programme. Discussion The PURE-EX programme will be an evidence-based, theory-informed, and person-centred intervention, with the potential to make physical activity support routinely available for women after breast cancer treatment.
... There is ambiguity surrounding the concepts of sample sizes and saturation in qualitative research, particularly in the context of grounded theory [49]. Therefore, we followed the recommendation of Corbin and Strauss [45]: we began with analysis and the generation of concepts immediately after the first data were collected. ...
The world of work is increasingly recognizing sustainability needs and issues, which require skills and competences. Accordingly, concepts like green skills and sustainability competences have been discussed in the literature. However, it remains unclear what green skills are and what differentiates them from other concepts such as sustainability competences. The aim of this paper is to address the question of what green skills are in order to facilitate the application of them by bringing the concept closer to practice. A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with experts engaged in sustainability matters across various sectors. In line with previous research, the term green skills is seen as a complex and ambiguous one. Based on the findings of the present study, we propose to differentiate three levels of skills and competences, delineated by their specificity: general sustainability competences, intermediate cross-sectional competences, and specific green skills. Additionally, experts underscored the pivotal role of personal values and interests.
... Recruitment ceased when the sample size provided sufficient information power for analysis, and saturation was not adopted as a guiding principle. Saturation or information redundancy (Braun & Clarke, 2021) is seen to be the point at which no new information, themes, or codes can be identified from the data (Low, 2019). Braun and Clarke (2022) saw data saturation as not a useful concept for all thematic analysis applications, and it is argued that saturation is "not as objective and indisputable as it might appear" (Malterud et al., 2016(Malterud et al., , p. 1759. ...
Research on nonresident fathers after divorce is generally conducted from the perspective of others and rarely from their own perspectives. Becoming a nonresident father may mean major dislocation often presenting challenges to meaningful relationships with children. Some nonresident fathers may have tattoos that relate specifically to their children, which were acquired either before or after the divorce. Understanding the links between changing family configurations, fatherhood role identity, desired relationships with children, and how these are enacted and embodied through tattoos represents an important step toward understanding the experiences of nonresident fathers from their own perspectives. This article aimed to investigate the motivators and significance of nonresident fathers’ tattoos that specifically relate to their children and how they link to personal and mental well-being. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven nonresident fathers who had tattoos that related specifically to their children, had a mean age of 42 years, had been divorced for a mean of 6 years, and self-identified as Australian. The data were analyzed using a seven-step thematic analysis process. As a result, nonresident fathers’ tattoos that relate to their children could be used by them as a means of maintaining an emotional and psychological connection to their fatherhood role, and in doing this, their mental well-being may be positively affected.
... Secondly, to reinforce our sample with platforms from different territories and contexts and reach theoretical saturation, we used the snowball sampling technique during data collection to identify more relevant cases. This involved asking interviewees to suggest contacts until we reached theoretical saturation, indicating that further data collection would not contribute to our existing conceptual dimensions or codes (Low, 2019). We contacted platforms from different regions in France, such as local platforms CoopCycle, Au Local, and Oiseaux de Passage, to conduct in-depth interviews with important stakeholders, including founders and/ or key members. ...
Digital platforms are increasingly criticized for being disembedded, raising ethical concerns about their minimal links with the economic, political, and cultural environments in which they operate. Many ‘local digital platforms’ argue that their connection with and responsibility to their territory sets them apart from traditional digital platforms. However, more research is needed to better understand how local platforms claim different forms of territorial embeddedness to address the ethical challenges of the platform economy. In this article, we analyze these claims and abductively develop a typology of digital platforms’ links to their local environments based on eleven sub-dimensions, drawing on the concept of territorial embeddedness. According to our framework, territorial embeddedness is multifaceted, and platforms can be characterized by a continuum from weak to strong embeddedness. This renewed conceptualization offers a deeper understanding of local platforms’ territorial embeddedness. In addition, our framework allows for a critical examination of how local platforms respond to ethical challenges of the platform economy. Our research thus brings a fresh perspective to the polarized debate between platform capitalism and cooperativism.
... There are several distinct types of saturation, each addressing different aspects of data adequacy. Theoretical saturation, rooted in grounded theory, occurs when further data no longer contributes to refining or expanding the theoretical framework being developed [11,14,15]. Data saturation emphasizes the breadth of the dataset, achieved when no new patterns or categories emerge during analysis, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the phenomenon under study [14,16,17]. ...
Data saturation is a cornerstone concept in qualitative research, ensuring that data collection ceases once no new themes, insights, or patterns emerge. This concept is critical for achieving methodological rigor, as saturation enhances the credibility and completeness of research findings. Despite its central role, debates persist regarding the point at which saturation is achieved, especially as it varies across qualitative methodologies such as grounded theory, phenomenology, and ethnography. Contemporary scholars argue for a flexible approach to sample sizes and saturation criteria, balancing comprehensive data gathering with respect for emerging themes and contextual sensitivity. This article explores the theoretical foundations, practical applications, and controversies surrounding data saturation. Additionally, it offers recommendations for researchers on determining sample sizes and 16-ietms checklist for achieving saturation, aiming to improve research quality while addressing the methodological challenges inherent in qualitative research.
... The focus groups followed a semistructured format covering a limited number of openended questions (see topic guide in the Supplemental file, section 1). Data collection and analysis followed an iterative process and, following a pragmatic approach to saturation (Low, 2019), until findings thoroughly reflected analytical depth, conceptual clarity, and insight regarding our research question. ...
Public awareness campaigns on palliative care aim to tackle limited public knowledge and negative perceptions of palliative care. However, little is known about their public reception. This study examined how existing campaigns are interpreted, evaluated, and engaged with by members of the general public. Three public campaigns, launched in Flanders or the Netherlands between 2020 and 2023, were discussed in 10 focus groups (total of 65 participants). The analysis was guided by Schrøder's multidimensional audience reception model. Our results show that campaigns were interpreted, evaluated, and engaged with in highly divergent ways. People with personal experiences surrounding serious illness were generally more open toward campaign messages, while a sense of personal relevance was lacking for others. Campaigns that centered on the perspectives of seriously ill individuals while portraying them in active and resilient positions were more positively evaluated. Moreover, they were more successful in broadening perceptions of palliative care beyond being hospital-based end-of-life care for severely ill and care-dependent persons. Conversely, materials that neglected the patient’s voice while framing palliative care as enabling moments of joy “despite serious illness” generally fortified prior perceptions and were often rejected. Additionally, a preference for highlighting the social context surrounding the patient was repeatedly expressed. We conclude that diversified strategies, optimizing a sense of personal relevance, are needed to more effectively influence public understanding and engagement toward palliative care. Destigmatizing palliative care also involves destigmatizing persons with serious illness, and representing them with an emphasis on their agency and strength is vital to this shift.
... Theoretical saturation refers to the point at which no additional data can be obtained to further develop the characteristics of a category (Low, 2019). To assess research reliability, six additional cases were randomly collected based on the four types of NIMBY effect projects, beyond the initial 29 cases. ...
Urban development projects often face local opposition, known as the NIMBY (Not in my back yard) effect, affecting infrastructure implementation and urban growth. This study aims to develop a systematic risk management approach for NIMBY projects. Employing grounded theory, 29 NIMBY cases in China were analyzed, identifying 17 risk factors across six categories. Social network analysis revealed risk interactions, highlighting four factors: government decision-making risk, government credibility risk, project completion risk, and online public opinion risk. Two risk transmission chains were delineated, each consisting of 4-5 interconnected risk factors, providing insights into risk propagation mechanisms. Simulation results indicated that targeted risk mitigation strategies based on these chains affected network efficiency differently compared to random approaches. The network efficiency reduced from 16.5% to 11.2% for the first chain-based strategy and to 13.4% for the second, while random interventions showed limited impact on network efficiency. Based on these findings , a NIMBY risk management system focusing on risk nodes and incorporating risk compensation mechanisms is proposed. This system addresses proactive governance, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation. The research contributes to the understanding and management of NIMBY risks, providing tools for policymakers and project managers. The findings suggest that this approach may affect NIMBY conflicts and community acceptance of urban development projects, potentially influencing urban development processes.
... There were 40 participants in this study. Data saturation [60] for this study was achieved with 75% (30/40) participants. The data saturation point is generally reached in 15 interviews, with one-third of the number of interviews being added [61]. ...
Background
While the benefits of fathers’ engagement in pregnancy are well researched, little is known about first-time expectant fathers’ information-seeking practices in Southeast Asia regarding pregnancy. In addition, there is a notable gap in understanding their information-sharing behaviors during the pregnancy journey. This information is important, as cultural norms are prevalent in Southeast Asia, and this might influence their information-sharing behavior, particularly about pregnancy.
Objective
This study aims to explore and analyze the pregnancy-related information-sharing behavior of first-time expectant fathers in Southeast Asia. This study specifically aims to investigate whether first-time fathers share pregnancy information, with whom they share it, through what means, and the reasons behind the decisions to share the information or not.
Methods
We conducted semistructured interviews with first-time Southeast Asian fathers in Indonesia, a sample country in the Southeast Asian region. We analyzed the data using quantitative descriptive analysis and qualitative content theme analysis. A total of 40 first-time expectant fathers were interviewed.
Results
The results revealed that 90% (36/40) of the participants shared pregnancy-related information with others. However, within this group, more than half (22/40, 55%) of the participants shared the information exclusively with their partners. Only a small proportion, 10% (4/40), did not share any information at all. Among those who did share, the most popular approach was face-to-face communication (36/40, 90%), followed by online messaging apps (26/40, 65%). The most popular reason for sharing was to validate information (14/40, 35%), while the most frequent reason for not sharing with anyone beyond their partner was because of the preference for asking for information rather than sharing (12/40, 30%).
Conclusions
This study provides valuable insights into the pregnancy-related information-sharing behaviors of first-time fathers in Southeast Asia. It enhances our understanding of how first-time fathers share pregnancy-related information and how local cultural norms and traditions influence these practices. In contrast to first-time fathers in high-income countries, the information-sharing behavior of first-time Southeast Asian fathers is defined by cultural nuances. Culture plays a crucial role in their daily decision-making processes. Therefore, this emphasizes the importance of cultural considerations in future discussions and the development of intervention programs related to pregnancy for first-time Southeast Asian fathers. In addition, this study sheds light on the interaction processes that first-time fathers engage in with others, highlighting areas where intervention programs may be necessary to improve their involvement during pregnancy. For example, first-time fathers actively exchange new information found with their partners; therefore, creating features or platforms that facilitate this process could improve their overall experience. Furthermore, health practitioners should take a more proactive approach in engaging with first-time fathers, as currently there is a communication gap between them.
Aim
To examine the perceptions of nurses receiving the Ontological Coaching among Nurses (OCN) intervention in Singapore.
Design
Descriptive qualitative.
Methods
Convenience sampling was used to recruit 34 nurses who received OCN intervention and three coaches who provided the intervention. Written informed consent was obtained, and semi‐structured, one‐on‐one interviews were used to collect data, which were then transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.
Results
Three themes with nine sub‐themes were identified. The main themes were: (1) From ‘Outlet to Confide’: Ontological Coaching as an Enhanced Sense of Fulfilment; (2) Mindset Readiness and Openness for Successful Coaching; and (3) Future Endeavours for Sustainable Coaching Practices.
Conclusion
The findings show that nurses benefitted on personal and professional fronts from receiving coaching. Further evaluations are required to see the potential of using coaching intervention for novice nurses.
Implications and Impact
As frontline key players in our healthcare system, nurses face a unique set of challenges that impact their psychological well‐being. The impact is even more significant for early‐to mid‐career nurses, leading to poorer quality of life and high turnover rates. This paper highlighted the importance of resources made available to novice and mid‐career nurses through coaching. The perceptions of nurses who received coaching intervention serve as a foundation for future studies examining the relevance of ontological coaching in the nursing profession. The nurses' recommendations reported in this paper include building awareness of coaching and incorporating flexibility into coaching programmes to help enhance their readiness to receive and engage with coaching for a more fulfilling coaching experience. Incorporating these recommendations can help inform future coaching‐related interventional studies.
Reporting Method
This study adhered to COREQ guidelines.
Patient and Public Contribution
None.
Objectives: This study explored the challenges and solutions to the effective promotion of physical activity (PA) to cancer survivors in practice in Ireland amongst a variety of stakeholders, including healthcare professionals (HCPs), policy makers, community providers of cancer care, and academics. Methods: Focus groups (n = 5) were conducted with participants (n = 40), including oncologists, oncology nurses, physiotherapists, cancer support centre managers, academics, consumers, cancer policy representatives, exercise specialists, community providers of exercise programmes, and a chartered psychologist. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four primary themes were identified: (i) embedding PA into the cancer pathway (including the sub-themes of ‘singing from the same hymn sheet’, ‘PA as an essential element of treatment’, and ‘intervention opportunities and models of care’); (ii) education and training; (iii) access to appropriate PA interventions; and (iv) tailored programmes. Conclusions: The importance of embedding PA into the cancer pathway such that PA is viewed by clinicians and patients as a key part of their treatment was emphasised. Opportunities for PA intervention within existing practice were highlighted, such as the chemotherapy education sessions run by Daffodil nurses. Findings pointed to a need for education and training for HCPs that include how to coach and counsel cancer patients concerning PA in clinic. Finally, a major barrier to PA promotion was limited access to appropriate PA interventions.
Objectives:
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the non-medical factors that affect people's health and quality of life. Emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians are in a unique position to recognize and respond to SDOH through their presence and responses in the communities they serve. The objective of this study was to generally explore the existing body of literature of SDOH within the context of EMS.
Methods:
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guided the analysis of peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases published between January 1960 and June 2024. Using Covidence software, titles and abstracts then, separately, full texts, were reviewed by two distinct researchers to include studies published in English that referenced SDOH and EMS. We later excluded articles that were published before 2010, when the SDOH term was made more popular by its inclusion in the Healthy People 2020 project. Reviewers then performed data extraction for qualitative analysis using a grounded theory approach.
Results:
Of the 1,503 records imported from the databases (PubMed n = 779, Web of Science n = 687, CINAHL n = 37), 1,164 unique manuscripts were screened, and 62 full texts were assessed for eligibility. Forty-two articles met inclusion criteria; 39 were EMS patient-centric and three were illustrative of EMS clinicians' SDOH, thus excluded from this analysis. Patient-related impact levels included individual characteristics, community characteristics, EMS clinicians' recognition of and response to SDOH, healthcare system factors, and social and cultural considerations. Articles were on the topic areas of medical conditions, EMS practice, trauma, pediatrics, and mental health. More than half (n = 24) of the manuscripts were from studies conducted in North America and a majority (n = 32) of the papers were published since 2020.
Conclusions:
Research in SDOH and their association with EMS is rapidly growing. A deeper understanding of how the EMS system and EMS clinicians affect, recognize, and manage patients' SDOH insecurities can improve efforts toward health equity and improve patients' health outcomes.
The confluence of political regimes and cybersecurity presents substantial potential and challenges in the rapidly evolving digital realm. This study investigates how different political systems-democracies, autocracies, and transitional regimes (anocracies)-influence national cybersecurity performance. By integrating fourteen renowned cybersecurity indices, such as the Global Cybersecurity Index and National Cyber Security Index, with three key measures of political regimes-Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Freedom in the World Index, and polity2 score with regime durability-the research provides a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics. The study reveals that democracies typically exhibit stronger cybersecurity due to their transparent institutions and robust legal frameworks via various statistical analyses. While less effective overall, autocracies benefit from centralized control, allowing rapid implementation of cybersecurity measures. Anocracies face significant challenges, often posing the highest cyber risks to other states, and the "Polity Flux Effect on Cybersecurity" is introduced to describe their dynamic and unstable cybersecurity landscape. These findings highlight the critical role of stable democratic institutions in enhancing national cybersecurity and offer valuable insights for policymakers to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks during political transitions.
Background
As the UK COVID-19 vaccination programme progressed, greater emphasis was placed on the implementation of localized targeted vaccination activities to address inequalities in vaccination coverage. This study examines one UK region’s approach to the delivery of targeted vaccination activities and identifies key factors influencing implementation.
Methods
Qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of key individuals involved in vaccination delivery across Greater Manchester (GM). A rapid analysis approach was adopted. A template based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research helped to guide analysis.
Results
Twenty-seven participants were interviewed, from nine of the 10 GM localities. All areas planned to implement targeted vaccination activity, but size and scope varied. Five factors influencing the implementation of targeted vaccination approaches were identified: (i) integrated working; (ii) data availability and monitoring, (iii) engagement with populations and communities, (iv) resources and infrastructure, and (v) external policies and procedures.
Conclusion
The study provides wider lessons for future public health interventions around the need for collaborative working, adequately resourced community engagement, appropriate data, long-term workforce/system planning and coherence in policy and messaging. These findings have led to the generation of six key insights for the implementation of future targeted vaccination programmes.
Visual culture has long been deployed by actors across the political spectrum as a tool of political mobilization and has recently incorporated new elements such as memes, GIFs, and emojis. In this study, we analyze the top-circulated Facebook memes relating to critical race theory (CRT) posted between May 2021 and May 2022 to investigate their visual and textual appeals. Using image clustering techniques and critical discourse analysis (CDA), we find that pro- and anti-CRT memes deploy similar rhetorical tactics to make bifurcating arguments, most of which do not pertain to academic formulations of CRT. Instead, these memes manipulate definitions of racism and anti-racism to appeal to their respective audiences. We argue that labeling such discursive practices as simply a symptom of “post-truth” politics is a potentially unproductive stance. Instead, theorizing the knowledge-building practices of these memes through a lens of political epistemology allows us to better understand how they produce meaning.
This study explores how microfinance impacts business sustainability in Bangladesh using a qualitative approach. In-depth interviews with 35 purposively selected Microfinance Institution (MFI) borrowers from the Khulna Division provided insights analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings reveal seven themes: employment generation, business growth, income growth, improved living standards, social empowerment, social awareness, and environmental awareness. These themes highlight microfinance’s role in fostering sustainable business practices. This pioneering study offers valuable insights for MFIs and policymakers, emphasizing microfinance as a tool for sustainable development in developing nations.
The adoption of digital technology creates the potential for new harms. Given that risk prevention solutions are imperfect, individuals may wish to transfer digital risk to an insurer. It is unclear whether existing insurance policies cover these harms, or whether specialized consumer cyber insurance products are available. We address this research gap by conducting a content analysis of 50 insurance policies, 32 in the USA and 18 in the UK. Our analysis of 26 home insurance policies reveals that insurers typically exclude digital perils (losses caused by computer viruses, hacking, or cyber attacks), but include coverage for digital assets (devices and downloaded data) impacted by conventional perils. A minority of home insurance policies affirmatively cover digital perils such as identity theft and social media defamation. Our analysis of 24 consumer cyber insurance products identifies 6 core perils that are generally covered: cyber attack, data breach, ransomware, online fraud, cyberbullying, and identity theft. Finally, pricing information from 21 policies reveals that specialist cyber policies typically cost between 150. One insurer’s actuarial calculations suggest that the expected losses range from 9 (computer attack). These findings can help users form strategies to manage digital risk.
Because of their closeness to and dependence on the land, climate change will disproportionately impact farmer mental health. Despite local and global reliance on US farmers' wellbeing, there are limited regional studies elucidating the impacts of our changing climate on their mental health. Scholars have argued for systems-based and participatory approaches to understand the contextual factors that interact and influence the mental health impacts of climate change. This study addresses this gap by leveraging qualitative data from community stakeholders and applying a systems perspective to illuminate and better understand how climate change impacts farmer mental health. Using thematic analysis, themes and patterns were identified among transcribed interview recordings of both farmers and local mental health providers. Findings illustrate how weather variability empirically connected to climate change is a primary source of adverse mental health outcomes among farmers. However, weather variability was one of multiple drivers impacting farmer mental health and is included within a broad series of increasingly uncontrollable and unpredictable stressors. These drivers are felt through context-specific cultural and systemic factors that both serve to amplify and diminish mental health outcomes. This study builds on the existing literature on climate change and farmer mental health by providing a systems perspective on how these impacts are felt through various contextual factors relevant to farmers’ lives. Findings reinforce the call for systems-based and participatory approaches when looking to not only empirically map the pathways from climate change to farmer mental health, but in also identifying holistic intervention strategies.
Most autistic adolescents experience anxiety. Interoception, defined as one’s ability to detect and interpret bodily signals, might contribute to this. The aim of this exploratory, qualitative study was to gain a better understanding of interoceptive experiences in autistic adolescents and how this relates to anxiety. Semi-structured 1:1 interviews were conducted with 13 UK-based, autistic adolescents, aged 14–17 years, who reported experiencing significant, day-to-day anxiety. Interviews were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Interoception appeared relevant to experiences of anxiety in most participants, although this influence was exerted through various routes. While hypoawareness of interoceptive signals led to a reduced ability to detect and regulate anxiety, hyperawareness became overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. Overly negative evaluations of interoceptive signals, including catastrophising about the signals indicating danger, also triggered anxiety. Relationships between interoception and anxiety appeared bidirectional, with anxiety also affecting interoceptive awareness and evaluation. Interoceptive experiences were variable both across and within participants, with factors such as arousal and cognitive overload affecting experiences. Future research should focus on assessing the feasibility of interventions based on the mechanisms identified here.
Lay abstract
Anxiety is common in autistic adolescents. The detection and interpretation of signals coming from inside the body (e.g. heartbeat and hunger) is assumed to be related to both anxiety and autism. We interviewed 13 autistic 14- to 17-year-olds who reported experiencing significant anxiety, to explore the role that bodily signals played in their experiences of anxiety. Across most participants, there did appear to be a relationship, although the exact way it was related varied. When participants were very aware of bodily signals, they could become overwhelming, but if they were not aware at all, then it was difficult for them to notice themselves getting anxious until it was too late. If participants interpreted these signals negatively, for example, assuming the signals meant something was wrong with their body, they were also more likely to feel anxious. Whether participants were aware or negatively evaluated these signals was very variable and appeared to be context-dependent.
Purpose
This research aims to introduce the concept of information snowballing, which shows the process of how individuals with a specific interest in food sustainability acquire information about and remain abreast of sustainability-related information in everyday life and food practices.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed constructivist grounded theory to investigate the information acquisition practices of consumers of sustainable food around topics related to sustainability. The author collected data through pre-screening phone calls, photo diaries and in-depth semi-structured interviews by using theoretical sampling with nine sustainable food consumers; analyzed data through constant comparison and memoing; and validated findings via methodological jotting, data triangulation and peer-debriefing throughout the process.
Findings
The findings identify three stages of information snowballing: (a) learning by lifelong exposure and serendipitous information encountering; (b) constructing information landscapes; and (c) snowballing or gradually accumulating information.
Practical implications
This concept advocates for spreading sustainability-related information and awareness outside the context of formal education.
Originality/value
This study originates the concept of “information snowballing,” which evolves from the idea of snowball sampling, a common strategy for participant recruitment. Both of these terms lean on the idea that a snowball rolling downhill picks up more and more momentum and more and more snow as it travels; recruitment and information gathering show the same process of accretion through building momentum. Information snowballing highlights the individual’s agency in seeking relevant information sources, expressing one’s interests, constructing information landscapes—all activities that precede the serendipitous encountering and snowballing of information based on a particular interest. It also connects everyday information practices to information landscapes within the context of everyday food practices.
The article is a research report on images of schools in mainstream pornography. Due to the multimodal nature of the empirical material, hybrid methodological approaches based on Grounded Theory (GT) and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) were used. The main topic of the presented text is the communication relations between the parties to the educational processes presented in pornographic materials. The article presents the hypothesis of a family resemblance between the real school and the school in the pornographic imaginary. The conclusion boils down to recognizing in pornographic representations of school and education a non-intentional form of resistance against official culture in general and school in particular.
Background: Parents of autistic children (PAC) are at increased risk of psychological distress, including parental stress, shame and self-criticism. Poor parental mental health can adversely affect parent-child interactions and their attachment relationship, in a transactional manner. There is a lack of evidence-based PAC-specific interventions focusing on reducing their psychological distress. Furthermore, PAC experience multiple barriers to accessing direct psychological interventions provided by health services. Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is a recommended transdiagnostic intervention for high shame and self-criticism and is potentially applicable for use as preventative guided self-help with PAC. Cross-sectional research has shown that increased PAC self-compassion is associated with increased well-being and reduced psychological distress. There is limited research around the use of CFT with PAC. No PAC-specific CFT self-help resources are available.
Study aims: To explore adaptations needed to use a CFT resource as a guided self-help intervention with PAC, and to define anticipated factors influencing successful intervention implementation during future feasibility testing.
Research questions:
• How can a CFT resource be adapted into a guided self-help intervention for PAC, whilst maintaining theoretical coherence, for further investigation during feasibility testing?
• What are stakeholder views regarding anticipated factors influencing successful implementation of the CFT resource during future feasibility testing?
Methods: Abiding by practice guidelines for intervention adaptation, five iterative phases of stakeholder feedback on an existing CFT resource for parents were facilitated, leading to subsequent intervention refinement. Phases one and two involved focus groups with PAC. Phases three and four involved seeking written commentary and a later focus group with clinical psychologists (CPs) working within children’s autism services. The fifth phase involved seeking written commentary from all participants that had opted into receiving updates about the project and CFT experts. Directed Content Analysis supported extraction of adaptation suggestions during each feedback round. A secondary Framework Analysis was later employed to all focus group data to meet the second research aim.
Results: Compassionate Mind Training for Parents of Autistic Children (CMT-PAC) guided self-help intervention was developed. Seven PAC, four CPs and one CFT expert provided feedback on CMT-PAC which led to adaptations. CFT-trained clinicians deemed the final CMT-PAC maintained theoretical coherence. Two key concepts from the Framework Analysis were recognised in all focus groups: ‘personal and social context of parents’ and ‘barriers and facilitators to engagement’. Stakeholders raised several further research questions to consider when CMT-PAC undergoes feasibility testing.
Discussion: This study is the first to adapt a CFT intervention for PAC in collaboration with multiple stakeholder groups. Stakeholders anticipated CMT-PAC will be valuable for PAC and services, and highlighted key facilitators for successful implementation, including cultivating a therapeutic relationship via modelling compassionate qualities within the text, and promoting flexible intervention engagement. Potential issues requiring further consideration were highlighted, such as whether fears of compassion may reduce engagement in self-directed practices, and queries around feasibility of imagery and body-based CMT exercises due to PAC differences associated with neurodivergence. Future research should involve studies of CMT-PAC to investigate the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness in cultivating compassion and reducing psychological distress among PAC.
This paper investigates the alignment between the missions, visions, and values of food technology firms and robust sustainability principles. Employing a comprehensive research methodology including surveys, secondary data analysis, and semi‐structured interviews with managers of food technology startups, this study identifies and examines key areas: (1) strategic components and pivotal aspects of positioning within the food technology industry; (2) necessary changes for supporting sustainability‐driven business models; and (3) guidelines to assist food technology proprietors and managers in developing the required competencies to meet evolving societal and global market demands. The findings highlight the need for capacity development in resource circularity, material regeneration, and innovative processes, suggesting the circular economy as a strategic approach for achieving strong sustainability. The paper outlines specific changes for decision‐makers to consider. While contextual, this study represents a distinctive effort supporting the transition toward strong sustainability, grounded in the circular economy and dynamic, relational capabilities perspectives.
Urban character is not yet conceptually known in Iran’s urban literature; and character is considered only as a physical identity. In recent studies, some researchers have given new definitions Which mention the sense of urban character beyond the physical aspects. In new definitions, urban character has a social, physical and spatial nature and distinguishes one place from other places. While in our studies less attention has been paid to the concept of urban character, according to the new theoretical definitions and by adopting a qualitative-exploratory method, this study explains the sense of urban character from the local community’s point of view. For this purpose, Chellekhaneh as an old neighborhood and Golsar as a modern neighborhood in Rasht city have been selected and 30 residents of the two neighborhoods have been interviewed by employing of Semi-structured interview method. The text of the interviews was qualitatively analyzed and coding was used to classify the data. the results showed that in some places, urban character is defined as social identities, local identities, etc. while in some other places, urban character is defined as diversity, mixing, dynamism, etc., And it is possible to be made of the most surface relationships between residents, the living environment, and current activities in the neighborhood. the creation of discourse, interviews and participation of local communities, enhances the planning and design of places. It is suggested that the components of urban character be used as codes beyond physical instructions in urban and neighborhood design and planning, especially plans that are based on the participation of citizens and have a democratic approach. The role of urban planners and designers will be to recognize the character of the place from the residents' point of view and turn them into rules and instructions with specific details of each place for urban plans.
Introduction: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals face increased risk of receiving suboptimal care, including palliative care. Despite research demonstrating strategies to improve care, little is known about the experiences of palliative care clinicians providing care to these communities. Objectives: The primary aim of this study is to characterize attitudes and practices of palliative care physicians around providing care to SGM individuals. Design: This exploratory, qualitative study used semi-structured interviewing. Interviews were transcribed and coded using reflexive thematic analysis. Setting and Participants: Twenty-four palliative care physicians practicing in the homecare, hospice, and hospital settings from geographically diverse sites across Canada were recruited from palliative care organizations using convenience and snowball sampling. Results: Four main themes represent perspectives on improving palliative care for SGM individuals: (1) increasing experience with and knowledge about SGM communities increases clinicians' confidence and competency; (2) standardizing inclusive sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection and documentation can improve patient care; (3) addressing individual, systemic, and societal biases may improve palliative care provided to SGM individuals; and (4) knowing SOGI improves care quality. Conclusions: Clinicians must familiarize themselves with the importance of SOGI to the care provided as well as the palliative care needs of SGM communities. Institutions should provide tailored training around the unique needs of SGM patients and implement policies and tools that standardize sexual and gender orientation data collection and documentation.
Digital sovereignty is a popular yet still emerging concept. It is claimed by and related to various global actors, whose narratives are often competing and mutually inconsistent. This article offers a mapping of the types of national digital sovereignty that are emerging, while testing their effectiveness in response to radical changes and challenges. To do this, we systematically analyse a corpus of 271 peer-reviewed articles to identify descriptive features (how digital sovereignty is pursued) and value features (why digital sovereignty is pursued), which we use to produce four models: the rights-based model, market-oriented model, centralisation model, and state-based model. We evaluate their effectiveness within a framework of robust governance that accounts for the models' ability to absorb the disruptions caused by technological advancements, geopolitical changes, and evolving societal norms. We find that none of the models fully combine comprehensive regulation of digital technologies with a sufficient degree of responsiveness to fast-paced technological innovation and social and economic shifts. This paper's analysis offers valuable lessons to policymakers who wish to implement an effective and robust form of digital sovereignty.
Emotion AI is increasingly used to automatically evaluate asynchronous hiring interviews. Although touted for increasing hiring fit and reducing bias, it is unclear how job-seekers perceive emotion AI-enabled asynchronous interviews. This gap is striking, given job-seekers' marginalized position in hiring and how job-seekers with marginalized identities may be particularly vulnerable to this technology's potential harms. Addressing this gap, we conducted exploratory interviews with 14 U.S.-based participants with direct, recent experience with emotion AI-enabled asynchronous interviews. While participants acknowledged the asynchronous, virtual modality's potential benefits to employers and job-seekers, they perceived harms to job-seekers associated with automatic emotion inferences that our analysis maps to distributive, procedural, and interactional injustices. We find that social identity can inform job-seekers' perceptions of emotion AI, extending prior work's understandings of the factors contributing to job-seekers' perceptions of AI (broadly) in hiring. Moreover, our results suggest that emotion AI use may reconfigure demands for emotional labor in hiring and that deploying this technology in its current state may unjustly risk harmful outcomes for job-seekers - or, at the very least, perceptions thereof, which shape behaviors and attitudes. Accordingly, we recommend against the present adoption of emotion AI in hiring, identifying opportunities for the design of future asynchronous hiring interview platforms to be meaningfully transparent, contestable, and privacy-preserving. We emphasize that only a subset of perceived harms we surface may be alleviated by these efforts; some injustices may only be resolved by removing emotion AI-enabled features.
Use of public participation geographic information systems (PPGIS) studies that collect local knowledge in a spatial format is increasing as a tool in natural resources management. Qualitative PPGIS studies have been conducted as individual interviews, as workshops, and in focus groups. As the number of qualitative PPGIS studies increases, so does the need to understand their quality. Saturation, the point when the researcher determines that the collection of additional data will provide minimal new information as it relates to a particular issue, directly reflects on the validity of the study. While the concept of saturation is well established, it is still inconsistently assessed and reported. Furthermore, how saturation applies to qualitatively collected spatial data has not been addressed. A method is presented to assess spatial saturation of qualitative PPGIS data from 19 focus groups that were conducted to investigate important places for recreation, livelihoods, and the environment in the Florida Panhandle.
Saturation is mentioned in many qualitative research reports without any explanation of what it means and how it occurred. Recognizing the saturation point presents a challenge to qualitative researchers, especially in the absence of explicit guidelines for determining data or theoretical saturation. This research note examines the saturation concept in naturalistic inquiry and the challenges it presents. In particular, it summarizes the saturation process in a grounded theory study of community-based antipoverty projects. The main argument advanced in this research note is that claims of saturation should be supported by an explanation of how saturation was achieved and substantiated by clear evidence of its occurrence.
Guidelines for determining nonprobabilistic sample sizes are virtually nonexistent. Purposive samples are the most commonly used form of nonprobabilistic sampling, and their size typically relies on the concept of “saturation,” or the point at which no new information or themes are observed in the data. Although the idea of saturation is helpful at the conceptual level, it provides little practical guidance for estimating sample sizes, prior to data collection, necessary for conducting quality research. Using data from a study involving sixty in-depth interviews with women in two West African countries, the authors systematically document the degree of data saturation and variability over the course of thematic analysis. They operationalize saturation and make evidence-based recommendations regarding nonprobabilistic sample sizes for interviews. Based on the data set, they found that saturation occurred within the first twelve interviews, although basic elements for metathemes were present as early as six interviews. Variability within the data followed similar patterns.
Theme identification is one of the most fundamental tasks in qualitative research. It also is one of the most mysterious. Explicit descriptions of theme discovery are rarely found in articles and reports, and when they are, they are often relegated to appendices or footnotes. Techniques are shared among small groups of social scientists, but sharing is impeded by disciplinary or epistemological boundaries. The techniques described here are drawn from across epistemological and disciplinary boundaries. They include both observational and manipulative techniques and range from quick word counts to laborious, in-depth, line-by-line scrutiny. Techniques are compared on six dimensions: (1) appropriateness for data types, (2) required labor, (3) required expertise, (4) stage of analysis, (5) number and types of themes to be generated, and (6) issues of reliability and validity.
The rejection of reliability and validity in qualitative inquiry in the 1980s has resulted in an interesting shift for "ensuring rigor" from the investigator's actions during the course of the research, to the reader or consumer of qualitative inquiry. The emphasis on strategies that are implemented during the research process has been replaced by strategies for evaluating trustworthiness and utility that are implemented once a study is completed. In this article, we argue that reliability and validity remain appropriate concepts for attaining rigor in qualitative research. We argue that qualitative researchers should reclaim responsibility for reliability and validity by implementing verification strategies integral and self-correcting during the conduct of inquiry itself. This ensures the attainment of rigor using strategies inherent within each qualitative design, and moves the responsibility for incorporating and maintaining reliability and validity from external reviewers' judgements to the investigators themselves. Finally, we make a plea for a return to terminology for ensuring rigor that is used by mainstream science.
A number of issues can affect sample size in qualitative research; however, the guiding principle should be the concept of saturation. This has been explored in detail by a number of authors but is still hotly debated, and some say little understood. A sample of PhD studies using qualitative approaches, and qualitative interviews as the method of data collection was taken from theses.com and contents analysed for their sample sizes. Five hundred and sixty studies were identified that fitted the inclusion criteria. Results showed that the mean sample size was 31; however, the distribution was non-random, with a statistically significant proportion of studies, presenting sample sizes that were multiples of ten. These results are discussed in relation to saturation. They suggest a pre-meditated approach that is not wholly congruent with the principles of qualitative research.
URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs100387
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 the theory of planned behaviour, designed to identify three belief categories (Behavioural, Normative and 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 studywise 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. Studywise 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.
Theoretically and methodologically sound qualitative research demands an extended period of fieldwork and the use of multiple methods to achieve data saturation and develop the grounded theory. Little is known about the experiences of researchers who conduct such studies. The authors explore these matters by drawing on their experiences of conducting a 3-year qualitative study with women about their gynecological cancer journey. Their fieldwork consisted of participant observation and in-depth interviews with women and health professionals. They demonstrate that researchers who are involved in all phases of emotionally demanding research; that is, data collection (recruiting, observing, expanding field notes, and interviewing), transcription, and data analysis repeatedly relive difficult events, which might potentially compromise the researchers' well-being and, in turn, the research process and data validity. The authors discuss how researchers can deal effectively with these matters during fieldwork and propose a more formal approach to debriefing.
The purpose of this article is to compare three qualitative approaches that can be used in health research: phenomenology, discourse analysis, and grounded theory. The authors include a model that summarizes similarities and differences among the approaches, with attention to their historical development, goals, methods, audience, and products. They then illustrate how these approaches differ by applying them to the same data set. The goal in phenomenology is to study how people make meaning of their lived experience; discourse analysis examines how language is used to accomplish personal, social, and political projects; and grounded theory develops explanatory theories of basic social processes studied in context. The authors argue that by familiarizing themselves with the origins and details of these approaches, researchers can make better matches between their research question(s) and the goals and products of the study.
This reputedly qualitative approach will provide not only representative samples, data analysis and proof, but direct access to the level of social relations which constitutes the very substance of sociological knowledge. The papers look in turn at the choice of topic, hypotheses, the research design, and writing and publishing. -J.Sheail
Sampling is one of the most difficult and contentious aspects of qualitative research design. There are few guidelines for sampling decisions or for understanding saturation in qualitative family research. The authors frame the problematic of data quality in the selection of units of analysis and observation and consider how to enhance sample richness. They outline considerations for data quantity and sample size as well as case- and variable-based approaches. With multiple examples from recent and classic studies to illustrate the consequences of sampling decisions, they explore links between saturation and validity. Finally, they encourage researchers to craft a coherent statement on qualitative integrity to demonstrate how their sampling decisions are rooted in epistemology, theory, and richness and quality of data.
Measuring quality in qualitative research is a contentious issue with diverse opinions and various frameworks available within the evidence base. One important and somewhat neglected argument within this field relates to the increasingly ubiquitous discourse of data saturation. While originally developed within grounded theory, theoretical saturation, and later termed data/thematic saturation for other qualitative methods, the meaning has evolved and become transformed. Problematically this temporal drift has been treated as unproblematic and saturation as a marker for sampling adequacy is becoming increasingly accepted and expected. In this article we challenge the unquestioned acceptance of the concept of saturation and consider its plausibility and transferability across all qualitative approaches. By considering issues of transparency and epistemology we argue that adopting saturation as a generic quality marker is inappropriate. The aim of this article is to highlight the pertinent issues and encourage the research community to engage with and contribute to this important area.
Current political, economic, and demographic developments place increasing pressure on the nonprofit sector to meet the needs of vulnerable and disenfranchised groups. The growing heterogeneity of the human service workforce compels agency administrators to foster organizational environments that support diversity. In response to constituent and staff trends, nonprofit human service agencies need to engage in multicultural organizational development (MCOD), a complex change process that fosters the elimination of oppression and the promotion of differences. In this article, the author explores various facets of MCOD in nonprofit human service organizations. Based on in-depth interviews with human service practitioners experienced in MCOD initiatives, key values, goals, and activities are delineated. The data suggest that while the values of MCOD indicate comprehensive transformation, the subsequent goals and activities do not fulfill such a vision.
These empirical results provide new and strong support for Langford’s 1994 quantitative demonstration that the qualitative results of nominal grouping sessions (NGS) are highly reliable and valid. We also show that NGS produces responses in greater depth and breadth than many years of research have demonstrated for focus groups. Since the NGS procedure provides broad, deep, reliable and valid results that are ranked by importance to the subject of interest, we had all the detailed information we needed for effective decision making without subsequently surveying a random sample of the population. The quantitative survey results strongly supports our conclusion that NGS provided all the correct answers in detail. We firmly believe NGS eventually will replace focus groups as the qualitative research method of choice when valid and complete results are important to decision makers, and will render many surveys unnecessary.
[discusses] qualitative sampling strategies [in primary health care research] with a study designed to understand why particular doctors seem to attract particular patients (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
identify and describe the major design issues in the planning stage of a [funded] qualitative project / suggest practical ways for the researcher to overcome the paradoxes inherent in qualitative inquiry / provide a guide to the planning of qualitative proposals and include suggestions for avoiding the pitfalls inherent in the research process
begin with the stage of reflection, in which the project is merely a good idea, and proceed to the stage of planning (including writing the proposal) and the stage of entry or beginning the fieldwork / when data collection is going well and is fruitful, the researcher enters the stage of productive data collection / next is the stage of withdrawal, which is followed by the . . . stage of writing (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Discusses focus groups as a research interviewing procedure specifically designed to uncover insights from a small group of participants. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the importance of sampling and sample size considerations in all qualitative research. Such considerations would help qualitative researchers to select sample sizes and sampling designs
that are most compatible with their research purposes. First, we discuss the importance of sampling in qualitative research.
Next, we outline 24 designs for selecting a sample in qualitative research. We then discuss the importance of selecting a
sample size that yields data that have a realistic chance of reaching data saturation, theoretical saturation, or informational
redundancy. Based on the literature, we then provide sample size guidelines for several qualitative research designs. As such,
we provide a framework for making sampling and sample size considerations in interpretive research.
Using grounded theory as an example, this paper examines three methodological questions that are generally applicable to all qualitative methods. How should the usual scientific canons be reinterpreted for qualitative research? How should researchers report the procedures and canons used in their research? What evaluative criteria should be used in judging the research products? We propose that the criteria should be adapted to fit the procedures of the method. We demonstrate how this can be done for grounded theory and suggest criteria for evaluating studies following this approach. We argue that other qualitative researchers might be similarly specific about their procedures and evaluative criteria.
One of the roles of rehabilitation professionals in the acute care setting is making recommendations for patients' discharge placement. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the decision-making process of physical therapists and occupational therapists when recommending discharge destination for patients following acute care hospitalization.
Participants were 7 physical therapists and 2 occupational therapists in an acute care rotation at a large academic medical center.
A grounded-theory strategy was used. Three interviews were conducted and guided by questions about participants' approaches to discharge decision making. Information from the interview transcripts was used to define constructs. A model was generated to explain the relationships among the constructs.
Decision making regarding discharge recommendations was guided by 4 constructs: patients' functioning and disability, patients' wants and needs, patients' ability to participate in care, and patients' life context. Information was filtered through therapists' experiences and modified by the health care team's opinions and by health care regulations.
The decision making of the rehabilitation professionals studied in recommending discharge placements for their patients reflects consideration of patients as individuals and the environments in which they live. Information about patients is filtered through the experience of therapists and influenced by health care regulations and opinions of other health care professionals, the patients, and their associates. The findings might be used in teaching clinical decision making to clinicians and students as they learn to make discharge recommendations.
- Kirk Jerome
Conceptualization in Symbolic Interactionism: The Problem of Cumulative Knowledge
- Jeffrey Nash
Bodies Out of Time: Women’s Reproductive Firsts
- Elizabeth Graham
- Jacqueline Low
Reclaiming Traditions and Re-Forming Trends in Qualitative Research
- Kathy Charmaz
Using Alternative Therapies: A Qualitative Analysis
- Jacqueline Low
Matters of the Heart: Romantic Relationships
- Elizabeth A Sharp
- Jean M Ispa
Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory-Sample Size and Validity
- Bruce S Thomson
Interpretivism and Generalisation
- Malcolm Williams