Purposive Sampling as a Tool for Informant Selection

Abstract

Informant selection is highly relevant for ethnobotanical research, as people are constantly looked upon for knowledge
and information. The purposive sampling technique is a type of non-probability sampling that is most effective when one needs to study a certain cultural domain with knowledgeable experts within. Purposive sampling may also be used with both qualitative and quantitative research
techniques. The inherent bias of the method contributes
to its efficiency, and the method stays robust even when tested against random probability sampling. Choosing
the purposive sample is fundamental to the quality of data gathered; thus, reliability and competence of the informant
must be ensured.