A-Methodological Saturation: A Grounded Theory Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to develop an abstracted theoretical model concerning how counseling and counselor education researchers utilize saturation in their qualitative research. Given the importance of rigor and trustworthiness in qualitative research, this study addresses saturation, a method for ensuring methodological rigor and trustworthiness. The qualitative study included 23 participants from a range of social locations, methodological expertise, and research agendas. The findings from this qualitative study were analyzed and presented using Straussian grounded theory and resulted in the development of an abstracted theoretical model, which included the following: causal conditions, contextual factors, intervening conditions, actions, consequences, and a core category. The abstracted theoretical model can aid researchers in the process and practice of saturation. Advances in saturation can support the development of rigorous qualitative research design and methodological integrity. Discussion and implications are discussed across the areas of practice, education, advocacy, and research.

Empowering nurses: exploring self-managed organizations in Indian healthcare

“…Constant comparison was used as the method in the data analysis process. The coding process was based on theoretical sampling, coding, constant comparison, identification, and data saturation [36,37] in line with the CGT approach, which includes a reflexive, repetitive involvement with the dataset to produce a solid analysis till the point when no new information emerges from further data collection. The data was simultaneously collected and analyzed over 2 years till the saturation point in this concurrent data collection and analysis process.…”

“…This approach accelerated the saturation process [34] by uncovering nuanced details and facilitating the emergence of new themes. The data could answer all the research questions sufficiently, therefore enabling replicability [34,36] of the study in similar contexts.…”

“I’m Going to be Visible Because… That’s What’s Gonna Help Other People Like Me”: Young Black Trans and Gender Diverse People’s Experiences in Activism Work

“…The authors also used the following approach to further ensure trustworthiness: (a) recording field notes and transcripts while gathering thoughts about potential codes, (b) developing a framework for coding, (c) developing themes and making connections in the data across transcripts, and (d) documenting rich and thick descriptions of coding and analysis as well as selecting quotes from participants to include in the written paper (Nowell et al, 2017). Furthermore, specific to saturation, after coding into the final thematic structure, the coders noted the absence of any new concepts, codes, or themes; thus, pointing to saturation (e.g., Peters, 2023).…”