Selection and sampling methodologies in oral histories of mothering, parenting and family

Drawing upon histories of family and parenting that have employed qualitative interview methods, this article considers several approaches to participant selection and sampling. Across a range of research projects from the United Kingdom and Australia, the article analyses whole of population samples, tightly defined samples, generational samples within families and participant selection based upon geographic case studies. In so doing, the advantages and limitations of these varying participant selection strategies are explored. Ultimately, the article argues that, although often relegated to appendices, footnotes or introductory asides, methodological decisions are critically important to oral history research for they fundamentally shape the scope, progress and conclusions of historical research.