ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors describe the influence of the time, place and participants on the study and provide concrete advice about making good selections. Moreover, time can be a unique feature of qualitative research. A researcher also risks superficiality when moving from one site to another, as well as the possibility of not getting an in depth understanding of any one place. Thus, researchers are beginning to understand that space and place are combined with time, participants and question, all of which are critical components of meaning and thus critical in the quest to discover of knowledge. The overarching research approach was narrative inquiry that was implemented since access to participants’ stories and experiences of space seemed a helpful means of coming to understand space and spatial practice from users’ perspectives. Purposeful sampling requires deep thought, planning and reflection about all aspects of question and then to be creative when making decisions about who can provide the best information.
