Key points at a glance
- Name the qualitative analytic tradition.
- Explain what would count as sufficient information.
- Document selection, concurrent analysis and remaining gaps.
Match the concept to the method
Some approaches use saturation to mean that additional cases add no relevant categories. Reflexive thematic analysis may use a different rationale. Do not copy a stock phrase; agree on a defensible account with your supervisor.
Plan for information-rich cases
A narrow question, specific recruitment and in-depth conversations may yield more relevant information per case than many broad short interviews. Example: To understand one examination office workflow, relevant staff roles may be more informative than ten randomly approached students. Still include the perspectives the question requires.
Reflect during collection
After each interview, note new, repeated and contradictory insights. Ask whether another participant could fill a missing role or challenge an emerging account. Do not simply reach a deadline and declare saturation afterwards.
Report the actual rationale
Describe selection, number, depth, analytic process and blind spots. A bounded bachelor’s project can state its limits openly. A transparent rationale is stronger than an invented universal minimum.
Final submission context
Formal details can feel like a separate writing task, but they matter just as much for a printed submission. Anything missing, misplaced or inconsistently formatted in the document will also appear in the bound copy.
Use this guide together with your cover page, table of contents, page numbers, source notes and appendices. Prepare the final PDF for printing and binding only after the complete file has been checked.
Practical check before PDF export
- Do headings, chapter structure and page numbers match?
- Are sources, figures and tables included completely?
- Are required elements such as declarations, appendices or the cover page included where required?
- Did you open and check the final PDF after exporting it?
Checklist
- Analytic approach specified.
- Adequacy criterion explained.
- New and contradictory cases tracked.
- Selection limits reported.
Common mistakes
- Claiming a universal interview number.
- Asserting saturation without concurrent analysis.
- Discarding exceptions as noise.
Prepare the finished thesis for submission
Once the content and university requirements are checked, review your PDF and the available printing and binding options.
Review printing optionsRelated content
Explore related guidance on thesis structure, sources, formatting and final submission.
Frequently asked questions
Are six interviews enough?
That depends on the question, recruitment and analytic strategy.
Must I prove saturation?
Only if the concept fits your method; otherwise justify sample adequacy differently.
What if time runs out?
Narrow the claim and report which perspectives remain absent.