Sampling ‘Hard to Reach’ Populations in Qualitative Research

Abstract

Sampling is an integral component of all research designs. Several qualitative research texts offer practical guides on how to theorize, recruit, and retain a sample to fulfill the aims of a given study. However, there is far less published discussion among qualitative researchers about sampling ‘hard to reach’ populations such as transient youth and young adults, homeless people, IV drug users, sex workers, and incarcerated, institutionalized, or cognitively impaired individuals. In this article, the author presents an overview of qualitative sampling, including its underlying assumptions, major methodological traditions, common characteristics, and standards of assessment. Next, the article identifies several challenges related to sampling hard to reach populations that are of particular relevance for qualitative research. Drawing on an example of a longitudinal qualitative study of incarcerated youth, these challenges are then discussed in relation to the assessment of ‘quality’ in qualitative research.