Definition

The process of selecting or searching for rich or excellent examples of the phenomenon of interest.  These are not, however, extreme or deviant cases.

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Why use this method?

Intensity sampling can allow the researcher to select a small number of rich cases that provide in depth information and knowledge of a phenomenon of interest. 

As Patton (2001) points out, intensity sampling requires prior information and exploratory work to be able to identify intense examples.

One might use intensity sampling in conjunction with other sampling methods.  For example, one may collect 50 cases and then select a subset of intense cases for more in depth analysis.

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