Which of the following sampling methods aims to select specific participants who can provide rich information for qualitative research?

Purposeful sampling is a targeted approach used in qualitative research, where researchers deliberately select participants based on specific characteristics or qualities that are relevant to the research question. The aim is to gather in-depth insights from individuals who have particular knowledge, experience, or perspectives that will enrich the data collected and contribute to a deeper understanding of the phenomenon being studied. This method is particularly valuable in qualitative research because it allows for a more nuanced exploration of complex issues by focusing on individuals who can provide detailed and relevant information.

In contrast, convenience sampling involves selecting participants based on their availability and willingness to participate, which may not yield the most informative or relevant data. Random sampling seeks to learn about a larger population by giving every member an equal chance of being chosen, which can dilute the richness of qualitative insights. Snowball sampling, while also focused on recruiting specific individuals, relies on referrals from initial participants, which may introduce bias and limit diversity in perspectives. Hence, purposeful sampling is the most aligned with the goal of obtaining rich, detailed qualitative data.