Purposive sampling as a tool for informant selection
Open accessAbstract
Informant selection is highly relevant for ethnobotanical research, as people are constantly looked upon for knowledgeand information. The purposive sampling technique is a type of non-probability sampling that is most effective when one needs to study a certain cultural domain with knowledgeable experts within. Purposive sampling may also be used with both qualitative and quantitative researchtechniques. The inherent bias of the method contributesto its efficiency, and the method stays robust even when tested against random probability sampling. Choosingthe purposive sample is fundamental to the quality of data gathered; thus, reliability and competence of the informantmust be ensured.
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Purposeful sampling was used to select participants to collect different views from 30 primary and secondary schools.
“Therefore, purposeful sampling was used to select participants to collect different views (Tongco, 2007) from 30 primary and secondary schools.”
From The impact of Generative AI (GenAI) on practices, policies and research direction in education: a case of ChatGPT and Midjourney (2024) · cites this paper as Tongco, 2007
The sampling method chosen was purposive to ensure that the knowledge, views and experiences of chosen parents were explored in detail and that a full range of parents were included.
“The sampling method chosen was purposive [19] to ensure that the knowledge, views and experiences of chosen parents were explored in detail and that a full range of parents were included.”
From Parental attitudes to randomised controlled trials in primary dental care: A qualitative study (2026) · cites this paper as [19]
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- Authors
- Tongco, M. D. C.
- Affiliations
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (US)
- Corresponding author
- Tongco, Ma. Dolores C.
- Venue
- Ethnobotany Research and Applications
- Publisher
- Ilia State University
- Published
- 2007-12-31
- Volume
- 5
- Pages
- 147
- ISSN
- 1547-3465 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W1820505434
- Cited by
- 2,597
- References
- 62
- Citations by year
- 2026: 169 · 2025: 247 · 2024: 241 · 2023: 260 · 2022: 270 · 2021: 286 · 2020: 220 · 2019: 187 · 2018: 160 · 2017: 119 · 2016: 114 · 2015: 119 · 2014: 100 · 2013: 47 · 2012: 27
- FWCI
- 6.89
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- diamond
- doi.org
- Locations
- Ethnobotany Research and Applications (publishedVersion)
- ScholarSpace (University of Hawaii at Manoa) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants Studies
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Survey Methodology and Nonresponse
- Keywords
- purposive sampling, informant selection, ethnobotany, non-probability sampling, sampling bias, data quality
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