What is it called when researchers direct activities in the field by pursuing hunches?

The correct answer is theoretical sampling. This method is used in qualitative research and involves researchers making decisions about who or what to sample based on their ongoing analysis of the data. As researchers collect data and begin to recognize patterns, they pursue participants or cases that will help them further develop their emerging theories. This ability to direct activities in the field based on intuitive insights or 'hunches' enables a more dynamic and flexible approach to research, allowing for deeper exploration of emerging themes or concepts.

In contrast, convenience sampling involves selecting participants who are easily accessible, which does not focus on theoretical development. Snowball sampling relies on existing study subjects to recruit additional participants, which is useful for hard-to-reach populations but not focused on theory generation. Purposive sampling selects participants based on specific characteristics or criteria relevant to the research questions, but it is not as fluid and responsive to ongoing analysis as theoretical sampling.