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What is an adequate sample size? Operationalising data saturation for theory-based interview studies

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Francis, Jill J., Johnston, Marie, Robertson, Clare, Glidewell, Liz, Entwistle, Vikki, Eccles, Martin P., Grimshaw, Jeremy M.·2010·Psychology & Health

DOI 10.1080/08870440903194015

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Abstract

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.

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Authors: Francis, J. J., Johnston, M., Robertson, C., Glidewell, L., Entwistle, V., Eccles, M. P., & Grimshaw, J. M.
Affiliations: University of Aberdeen (GB)
University of Dundee (GB)
Newcastle University (GB)
University of Ottawa (CA)
Corresponding author: Francis, Jill J.
ORCID: Francis, Jill J.
Johnston, Marie
Robertson, Clare
Glidewell, Liz
Entwistle, Vikki
Grimshaw, Jeremy M.
Venue: Psychology & Health
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2010-12
Volume: 25
Issue: 10
Pages: 1229-1245
ISSN: 0887-0446 (ISSN-L)
1476-8321
DOI: 10.1080/08870440903194015
OpenAlex: W1971765404
Cited by: 3,429
References: 29
Citations by year: 2026: 343 · 2025: 405 · 2024: 444 · 2023: 333 · 2022: 332 · 2021: 359 · 2020: 219 · 2019: 215 · 2018: 187 · 2017: 159 · 2016: 147 · 2015: 116 · 2014: 72 · 2013: 57 · 2012: 27
FWCI: 56.55
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: green
hdl.handle.net
Locations: Psychology and Health (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
City Research Online (City University London) (acceptedVersion)
Aberdeen University Research Archive (Aberdeen University) (submittedVersion)
Discovery Research Portal (University of Dundee) (submittedVersion)
Newcastle University ePrints (Newcastle Univesity)
Funders: Scottish Government
Chief Scientist Office, Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorate
Medical Research Council
Topics: Social Sciences › Education › Qualitative Research Methods and Applications
Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Focus Groups and Qualitative Methods
Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics
Keywords: data saturation, sample size determination, qualitative research reporting, stopping rules, theory of planned behavior, shared beliefs, general practitioners, Paget's disease, genetic testing, relatives
MeSH terms: Adult, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Attitude of Health Personnel, Culture, Data Collection, England, Female, Genetic Testing, Humans, Interview, Psychological, Male, Osteitis Deformans, Pharyngitis, Psychometrics, Scotland, Observer Variation, Sample Size, Biomedical Research, General Practice

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What is an adequate sample size? Operationalising data saturation for theory-based interview studies

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