Snowball sampling

Definition

Snowball sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where existing study subjects recruit future subjects from their acquaintances. This method is particularly useful when the target population is hard to reach or when there is no clear way to identify individuals within that population. It builds on the connections between people, leveraging social networks to gather data efficiently.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Snowball sampling is often used in research involving hidden populations, such as drug users or specific subcultures, where traditional sampling methods may fail.
2. This method can lead to biased results, as individuals are more likely to recruit people who are similar to themselves, limiting diversity in the sample.
3. Researchers must be cautious about privacy and ethical considerations when using snowball sampling, especially with sensitive populations.
4. The initial participant, known as the 'seed,' plays a crucial role in expanding the sample size through their network.
5. While snowball sampling can provide rich qualitative data, it may not be generalizable to the broader population due to its non-probability nature.

Review Questions

• How does snowball sampling differ from other sampling methods in terms of population access and sample selection?
  • Snowball sampling differs from other methods like simple random sampling because it relies on existing participants to identify and recruit new subjects. This is especially beneficial for accessing hard-to-reach populations who might not be listed in any directory. In contrast to random sampling, which aims for a representative sample from a known population, snowball sampling may introduce bias since participants are likely to refer individuals within their own social circles.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using snowball sampling for qualitative research.
  • The advantages of snowball sampling include its ability to reach hidden or marginalized populations and gather in-depth qualitative data. It allows researchers to gain insights from individuals who may otherwise be overlooked by traditional sampling methods. However, its disadvantages include potential bias since participants tend to recruit similar individuals, which can limit diversity and affect the study's representativeness. Additionally, ethical concerns regarding privacy and consent may arise when dealing with sensitive topics.
• Evaluate the impact of snowball sampling on the reliability and validity of research findings when studying marginalized groups.
  • Snowball sampling can significantly impact the reliability and validity of research findings, especially when studying marginalized groups. While it facilitates access to difficult-to-reach populations and can provide valuable insights into their experiences, the inherent biases may compromise the findings' reliability. The non-random nature of participant selection can lead to over-representation of certain perspectives while neglecting others, challenging the validity of conclusions drawn from such data. Therefore, researchers must carefully consider these factors and possibly complement snowball sampling with other methods to enhance their study's rigor.

Related terms

Non-probability sampling: A sampling method where not all individuals have a chance of being selected, often leading to biases in the sample.

Qualitative research: A research method focused on understanding the meaning and experiences of participants, often using interviews or open-ended surveys.

Target population: The entire group of individuals that a researcher is interested in studying and drawing conclusions about.