Snowball Sampling
Snowball sampling is a non-probability sampling technique used in sociology and statistics research. In this method, existing study subjects recruit future subjects from among their acquaintances, leading to the sample group growing like a rolling snowball. It is particularly useful when studying hard-to-reach populations, such as those that are small relative to the general population, geographically dispersed, or possess a social stigma or particular shared characteristic of interest. Snowball sampling is often employed in qualitative research, especially when the population is hard to reach or hidden, and is not suitable for making generalizations or using inferential statistics. This method can be used when there is no precalculated list of target population details, contacting members of the target population involves immense difficulty, or members of the target population are not inclined to contribute due to social stigma. Snowball sampling is a recruitment technique in which research participants are asked to assist researchers in identifying other potential subjects, and it may be approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) under certain circumstances, with careful consideration of the studys context and target population. The technique is called "snowball" because the sample group grows like a rolling snowball, and it is a flexible method that relies on identifying someone willing to participate and introduce the researcher to others. Snowball sampling is not suitable for representative samples or statistical studies but is extensively used for conducting qualitative research with hard-to-locate populations.
