Assessing Data Adequacy in Qualitative Research Studies

Abstract

When undertaking qualitative research studies, researchers often use the concept of data saturation to justify sufficient sampling to cease data collection and analysis. We argue that this reveals a positivist perspective that is incompatible with qualitative research, 1 which is instead based on constructivist, interpretivist, or other perspectives. Instead, we recommended the concepts of information power , 2conceptual depth , 3 and theoretical sufficiency , 1,4,5 with data adequacy considered during research design and evaluated iteratively throughout the sampling, data collection, and analysis processes. The table below provides guidelines for when more, or less, data are needed to justify cessation of data collection and analysis. Both researchers and readers can use the criteria for assessing data adequacy.