Reference table
Qualitative sample size by methodology
John Creswell's widely cited sample size guidelines for four qualitative methodologies: phenomenology, grounded theory, case study and narrative research. Use them when your study follows one of these formal methods. Creswell gives no figure for plain thematic analysis, so for most product research, plan from the saturation studies instead.
Where this appears
What's in this reference table
| Methodology | Recommended sample |
|---|---|
| Phenomenology | 3 to 10 participants |
| Grounded theory | 20 to 30 participants |
| Case study | No more than 4 to 5 cases |
| Narrative research | 1 to 2 individuals |
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<a href="https://www.koji.so/visuals/qualitative-sample-size-by-methodology-creswell"><img src="https://www.koji.so/visuals/qualitative-sample-size-by-methodology-creswell/qualitative-sample-size-by-methodology-creswell.png" alt="Table of Creswell's recommended sample sizes: 3 to 10 for phenomenology, 20 to 30 for grounded theory, up to 5 cases, 1 to 2 for narrative research." width="1200" height="630" /></a>
<p>Source: <a href="https://www.koji.so/visuals/qualitative-sample-size-by-methodology-creswell">Qualitative sample size by methodology</a>, Koji</p>
