Data Saturation: The Mysterious Step in Grounded Theory Methodology

• Published in: Qualitative report Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 245 - 261
• Main Authors: Aldiabat, Khaldoun M, Le Navenec, Carole-Lynne
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Fort Lauderdale Nova Southeastern University, Inc 01-01-2018; The Qualitative Report
• Subjects: Credibility; Data analysis; Data collection; Data processing; Dimensional analysis; Graduate students; Grounded theory; Medical research; Methods; Nursing; Qualitative research; Reliability; Research methodology; Researchers; Theory
• ISSN: 1052-0147; 2160-3715

The aim of this paper is to provide a discussion that is broad in both depth and breadth, about the concept of data saturation in Grounded Theory. It is expected that this knowledge will provide a helpful resource for (a) the novice researcher using a Grounded Theory approach, or for (b) graduate students currently enrolled in a qualitative research course, and for (c) instructors who teach or supervise qualitative research projects. The following topics are discussed in this paper: (1) definition of data saturation in Grounded Theory (GT); (2) factors pertaining to data saturation; (3) factors that hinder data saturation; (4) the relationship between theoretical sampling and data saturation; (5) the relationship between constant comparative and data saturation; and (6) illustrative examples of strategies used during data collection to maximize the components of rigor that Yonge and Stewin (1988) described as Credibility, Transferability or Fittingness, Dependability or Auditability, and Confirmability. Keywords: Grounded Theory, Novice Researchers, Strategies or Achieving Data / Theoretical Saturation, Indicators