Demystification and Actualisation of Data Saturation in Qualitative Research Through Thematic Analysis

Abstract

The concept of saturation in qualitative research is a widely debated topic. Saturation refers to the point at which no new data or themes are emerging from the data set, which indicates that the data have been fully explored. It is considered an important concept as it helps to ensure that the findings are robust and that the data are being used to their full potential to achieve the research aim. Saturation, or the point at which further observation of data will not lead to the discovery of more information related to the research questions, is an important aspect of qualitative research. However, there is some mystification and semantic debate surrounding the term saturation, and it is not always clear how many rounds of research are needed to reach saturation or what criteria are used to make that determination during the thematic analysis process. This paper focuses on the actualisation of saturation in the context of thematic analysis and develops a systematic approach to using data to justify the contribution of research. Consequently, we introduce a distinct model to help researchers reach saturation through refining or expanding existing quotations, codes, themes and concepts as necessary.

‘Practice what you preach’. Perspectives on the involvement of people with dementia and carers in community-based dementia friendly initiatives, a qualitative study

“…The cultural and organizational change should especially move away from the legacy and structure of service-led working cultures towards more user-led organizations that develop routines which allow people with dementia and carers to be themselves, and where the relationship is a genuine partnership (13,18,20,22,(60)(61)(62). Such focus could be enriched by theories from situated learning, (e.g., workplace learning (66) or social theories, such as social health, assets-based community development or social capital (31,63). These theories recognize the importance of personal growth, team dynamics, and societal contributions.…”

“…We achieved a good range in terms of different stakeholders' roles (e.g., professional, volunteer, carer, and people with dementia and the distribution per DFI) which was important in reaching saturation (65)(66)(67).…”

“…Diversity enriches the data by introducing a wider range of perspectives, experiences, and cultural insights. This could have enhanced the depth of the analysis, thereby achieving better saturation (65)(66)(67). Also, our sample was limited to three Dutch DFIs in which two were dementia-specific and one was dementia-inclusive.…”

Experiences of cohabiting partners of women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy: a qualitative study

“…Thematic meaning and content were established and potential sub-themes were identified. Once no new themes unique to partners’ experiences were identified within the collected data, it was determined that the data had been sufficiently explored and that data saturation had been reached [ 27 ]. Illustrative quotes were then selected.…”