Saturation in the digital qualitative research: examining the factors influencing saturation attainment

Qualitative research is considered a fundamental tool for investigating complex phenomena and for seeking answers as well as gaining in-depth insights of lived experiences of people. A critical aspect of qualitative research is the concept of saturation, which is considered as the point when no new codes, themes, insights or information are emerging from data or from applying data collection techniques such as focus group discussions, literature review and interviews. While the application, conceptualisation, operationalisation and attainment of the concept has been controversial in the traditional qualitative research, the digital age has made saturation attainment more complex. Digital qualitative research introduces both opportunities to strengthen the attainment of saturation and challenges that potential compromise the achievement of the concept. Through an evolutionary concept analysis, this paper examines the factors influencing saturation in qualitative research in the digital landscape. Through a synthesis of literature ranging from 2006 to 2024, using an evolutionary concept analysis, the research discusses the contextual, methodological, ethical and technological issues that researchers must address to ensure rigour, credibility and reliability of the qualitative research process and findings in the digital age. The objective is to explore the factors influencing saturation attainment in qualitative research while recognising the evolving dynamics of qualitative enquiry in the digital environment and to suggest practical strategies that can be adopted by researchers to navigate the challenges associated with qualitative research in the digital contexts. The findings highlight the importance of reflexivity, methodological triangulation and ethical governance in achieving saturation in digital contexts.