ABSTRACT
In research reports, the subheading participants appears immediately under the main heading of method. This chapter provides information about the people who participated in the study and how they were selected. The number of participants should be given, as well as the demographics that have been identified as relevant to the study because they played a role in the research question, the sampling strategy, or the variables that were used. In qualitative research, it may help to give an overview of the similarity and diversity of those included in the sample. The rationale for the sample selection and the method of recruitment is typically summarized in this chapter. Information should be included about the type of sample and the major decisions that informed the sampling strategy. Quantitative researchers emphasize random selection of participants from population. Qualitative researchers often employ purposive samples.
