A simple method to assess and report thematic saturation in qualitative research

A simple method to assess and report thematic saturation in qualitative research

May 5, 2020 | Greg Guest, Emily Namey, Mario Chen
This article introduces a simple method to assess and report thematic saturation in qualitative research. The authors propose a three-component approach: Base Size, Run Length, and New Information Threshold. Base Size refers to the number of interviews used as a reference point for calculating saturation. Run Length is the number of interviews analyzed to determine new information. The New Information Threshold is the level of new information that indicates saturation. The method allows researchers to choose different levels of rigor based on their confidence in the data. The authors validated their method using bootstrapping techniques on three existing qualitative datasets. Results showed that the method is feasible and consistent with previous studies. The method provides flexibility in reporting saturation and allows researchers to stop data collection once saturation is reached. The authors argue that this method offers a more transparent and accurate way to assess and report on saturation compared to existing methods. The method is applicable to inductive thematic analyses and can be used during or after data collection. The authors conclude that this method provides a practical way to assess and report on thematic saturation in qualitative research.This article introduces a simple method to assess and report thematic saturation in qualitative research. The authors propose a three-component approach: Base Size, Run Length, and New Information Threshold. Base Size refers to the number of interviews used as a reference point for calculating saturation. Run Length is the number of interviews analyzed to determine new information. The New Information Threshold is the level of new information that indicates saturation. The method allows researchers to choose different levels of rigor based on their confidence in the data. The authors validated their method using bootstrapping techniques on three existing qualitative datasets. Results showed that the method is feasible and consistent with previous studies. The method provides flexibility in reporting saturation and allows researchers to stop data collection once saturation is reached. The authors argue that this method offers a more transparent and accurate way to assess and report on saturation compared to existing methods. The method is applicable to inductive thematic analyses and can be used during or after data collection. The authors conclude that this method provides a practical way to assess and report on thematic saturation in qualitative research.
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