Participants As qualitative research in depth understanding rather than generalizability of conclusions, sample sizes are generally small. Phenomenological research generally includes 3 to 10 participants (Creswell, 2014). A sample size of 4 to 8 participants per focus group is common in qualitative research (Hesse-Biber & Leavy, 2011). Smith, et al (2009) suggest that focus group size of 4 to 5 participants is appropriate in interpretive phenomenological studies. Selection of participants in qualitative research is purposeful to engage those whose experience is relevant to the research questions. Snowball sampling can augment recruitment efforts through referrals from participants who know of others who meet the selection criteria and may be willing to participate (Hesse-Biber & Leavy, 2011). Purposeful and snowball sampling were utilized to obtain voluntary participants for this study. Recruitment efforts included those full-time staff members that were employed at the institution prior to when the ATD initiative was first introduced in 2011, ensuring that they had experience with the organizational change process and can provide insight relevant to the research questions. Participants were grouped by self-identified role category and include: Faculty Administrators Student support service
Participants As qualitative research in depth understanding rather than generalizability of conclusions, sample sizes are generally small. Phenomenological research generally includes 3 to 10 participants (Creswell, 2014). A sample size of 4 to 8 participants per focus group is common in qualitative research (Hesse-Biber & Leavy, 2011). Smith, et al (2009) suggest that focus group size of 4 to 5 participants is appropriate in interpretive phenomenological studies. Selection of participants in qualitative research is purposeful to engage those whose experience is relevant to the research questions. Snowball sampling can augment recruitment efforts through referrals from participants who know of others who meet the selection criteria and may be willing to participate (Hesse-Biber & Leavy, 2011). Purposeful and snowball sampling were utilized to obtain voluntary participants for this study. Recruitment efforts included those full-time staff members that were employed at the institution prior to when the ATD initiative was first introduced in 2011, ensuring that they had experience with the organizational change process and can provide insight relevant to the research questions. Participants were grouped by self-identified role category and include: Faculty Administrators Student support service
donna-stankiewicz-dissertation.docx