Snowball sampling

Definition

Snowball sampling is a non-probability sampling technique often used in qualitative research where existing study subjects recruit future subjects from among their acquaintances. This method is particularly useful when the population of interest is hard to access, as it leverages social networks to gather data. By starting with a small group of participants and allowing them to refer others, researchers can build a larger sample size that is more reflective of the target group.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Snowball sampling is especially beneficial for researching hidden populations, such as marginalized groups or individuals with specific traits that are difficult to identify.
2. The method relies heavily on trust and social connections, which can introduce bias if only certain networks are included in the sample.
3. This sampling technique can lead to homogeneity within the sample, making it less representative of the broader population.
4. Researchers using snowball sampling should be aware of ethical considerations, ensuring that participants are fully informed about the study and the recruitment process.
5. While snowball sampling can yield rich qualitative data, it may not be appropriate for quantitative studies where representativeness is critical.

Review Questions

• How does snowball sampling facilitate access to hard-to-reach populations in qualitative research?
  • Snowball sampling facilitates access to hard-to-reach populations by utilizing the social networks of initial participants to identify and recruit others who share similar characteristics or experiences. This approach is particularly valuable when studying groups that are not easily identifiable or accessible through traditional sampling methods. As participants refer acquaintances, researchers can gradually expand their sample size, creating a network that better reflects the targeted population.
• Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of snowball sampling compared to other sampling techniques in qualitative research.
  • Snowball sampling offers strengths such as building rapport within communities and gaining insights from participants who might otherwise be overlooked. However, its weaknesses include potential biases due to reliance on social networks, which can limit diversity and representation. In contrast, methods like stratified or random sampling aim for broader representation but may struggle to access hidden populations. Ultimately, researchers must weigh these factors based on their study's objectives.
• Evaluate how ethical considerations come into play when using snowball sampling in qualitative studies and propose strategies to address them.
  • Ethical considerations in snowball sampling involve ensuring participant confidentiality and informed consent, as well as avoiding exploitation of vulnerable populations. Researchers should clearly communicate the study's purpose and processes to participants, ensuring they understand how their referrals will be used. Strategies to address these concerns include obtaining consent from both initial participants and referred individuals, anonymizing data collected, and regularly revisiting ethical protocols throughout the research process.

Related terms

Qualitative Research: A research approach that focuses on understanding the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem through non-numerical data.

Non-Probability Sampling: A sampling method where not all individuals have a chance of being selected, often used in exploratory research when random sampling is impractical.

Referrals: Recommendations made by participants to connect researchers with other potential subjects for the study.