Ten steps for specifying saturation in qualitative research

Saturation is critical to reliability of qualitative social sciences, but methods descriptions differ greatly in the degree of detail provided. Rigour could be improved by routinely following a ten-step methodological protocol. 1. Define the underlying disciplinary framework. 2. Specify the target class precisely. 3. Show how participants or cases were selected or excluded. 4. Describe techniques to minimise inadvertent or indirect selection bias. 5. Report homogeneity or heterogeneity of cases, relative to the focus of analysis. 6. Report processes for elicitation or extraction of information content. 7. Select code, meaning or model saturation. 8. Specify code and concept fineness or granularity. 9. Report order and randomisation of cases. 10. Define the level of precision in post facto tests of saturation.

Automated summary

This article discusses the critical role of saturation in the reliability of qualitative social sciences and highlights the need for more detailed method descriptions. By following a ten-step methodological protocol, rigor can be improved in research.