What is the "snowball technique" or "snowball sampling" in research?
[1]Rameshwar Gupta*,
Research Scholar,
Department of Lifelong Learning & Extension
CSJM University, Kanpur, U.P. India
Email id: [email protected]
Mobile: +918630831266
The "snowball technique" or "snowball sampling" is a research method used to identify and recruit participants for a study when the target population is difficult to access or locate. It is particularly useful in cases where the population being studied is small, hidden, or marginalized.
In the snowball technique, researchers begin by identifying and recruiting a few initial participants who meet the criteria for the study. Once these participants are involved, they are then asked to refer other individuals who they believe also meet the study's criteria. This process continues, with each new participant referring additional participants, hence the term "snowball," as the sample size grows.
The technique relies on the assumption that individuals within the target population have social networks and can provide referrals to others who share similar characteristics or experiences. This method is commonly used in qualitative research, particularly in fields such as sociology, anthropology, and psychology.
Snowball sampling can be advantageous in accessing hard-to-reach populations, as it relies on existing social connections and networks. It is often used when studying sensitive topics or marginalized communities where it is challenging to obtain a representative sample through traditional sampling methods. However, it is important to note that snowball sampling may introduce biases, as participants are typically connected through existing relationships and may share certain characteristics or perspectives.
Researchers using the snowball technique should exercise caution in interpreting the findings, acknowledging the limitations of the sampling method and potential biases. It is also important to ensure participant confidentiality and obtain informed consent throughout the research process.
References:
Few references that provide more information on snowball sampling in research:
- · Atkinson, R., & Flint, J. (2001). Accessing Hidden and Hard-to-Reach Populations: Snowball Research Strategies. Social Research Update, 33(1), 1-4. Retrieved from http://sru.soc.surrey.ac.uk/SRU33.html
- · Biernacki, P. (1986). Pathways from heroin addiction: Recovery without treatment. Temple University Press.
- · Biernacki, P., & Waldorf, D. (1981). Snowball Sampling: Problems and Techniques of Chain Referral Sampling. Sociological Methods & Research, 10(2), 141-163. doi:10.1177/004912418101000205
- · Bock, M. A., & Harel, O. (2010). Sampling Hard-to-Reach Populations With Snowball Sampling Methodology: Theoretical and Practical Considerations. In M. L. Tatum (Ed.), Handbook of Research on Multicultural Education (2nd ed., pp. 3-20). Routledge.
- · Gile, K. J., & Handcock, M. S. (2010). Respondent-Driven Sampling: An Assessment of Current Methodology. Sociological Methodology, 40(1), 285-327. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9531.2010.01223.x
- · Goodman, L. A. (1961). Snowball sampling. The Annals of Mathematical Statistics, 32(1), 148-170.
- · Heckathorn, D. D. (1997). Respondent-Driven Sampling: A New Approach to the Study of Hidden Populations. Social Problems, 44(2), 174-199. doi:10.1525/sp.1997.44.2.03x0221m
These references cover various aspects of snowball sampling, including its methodology, strengths, limitations, and applications in different research contexts. You can access these articles and books through academic databases or university libraries to gain a more in-depth understanding of the snowball sampling technique.
[1]Ph.D. Student, Department of Lifelong Learning & Extension, CSJM University, Kanpur, U.P., India, Email id: [email protected], Mobile: 8630831266
*Single author
The "snowball technique" or "snowball sampling" is a non-probability sampling method commonly used in research, especially when studying hard-to-reach or hidden populations. It involves recruiting participants through referrals from existing participants, thus "snowballing" as the sample size grows.
In snowball sampling, the initial participants are typically selected based on specific criteria or characteristics relevant to the research study. Once these initial participants are identified, they are asked to refer or nominate other individuals who meet the same criteria or have the desired characteristics. The process continues iteratively, with each new participant being asked to refer others until the desired sample size is achieved or the researchers reach a saturation point where new participants no longer provide significant new information.
Snowball sampling is particularly useful in situations where the target population is challenging to access, such as marginalized or stigmatized groups, illegal activities, or small and interconnected populations. It allows researchers to tap into social networks and leverage the trust and connections between individuals to identify potential participants.
While snowball sampling offers advantages in reaching hidden populations, it also has limitations. The sample may become biased and not represent the broader population accurately. The referral process can introduce biases due to the characteristics and social networks of the initial participants. Additionally, the method lacks randomization and may be prone to self-selection and recruitment biases.
Researchers should carefully consider the limitations and potential biases associated with snowball sampling and apply appropriate strategies to mitigate them. It is essential to acknowledge the limitations of the sampling method when interpreting and generalizing the findings of studies that use snowball sampling.
in this non-probability type of sampling the respondents are shortlisted using referrals or contacts of respondents. Such sampling is recommended in populations like patients data country wide etc.
In short, its basically 'referral' based sampling. Participants/ Respondents refer others to the study.
While the snowball sampling procedure certainly carries inherent biases, it can also serve as a potent means of reaching individuals who might otherwise be inaccessible. Snowball sampling can be particularly effective in research involving hard-to-reach or hidden populations. For instance, it has been used successfully in studies involving populations such as individuals experiencing homelessness, people who use drugs, and people engaged in sex work, all of whom might be hard to locate through traditional sampling methods. It has also been used in social network research, where existing study participants recruit future participants from among their acquaintances. Although this method may not provide a completely representative sample, it opens avenues to valuable insights that might not be obtained without such an approach.
According to my understanding of the snowball technique in research, when we find information in an article, we can also find more information by referring to other people's studies. such as similar articles with different titles from other researchers that have also been referred to by the researcher.
While the first 5 answers above refer to snowball sampling for respondents, Masita's answer is also snowball sampling---of research material.
SNOWBALL SAMPLING TECHNIQUE:
- Snowball sampling technique is a non-probability sampling technique meaning that it is not scientific hence, all the participants do not have equal chance of being selected into the study's sample and even population.
- Another name for snowball sampling is refferal sampling technique.
- It is used in conditions where the participants of the study are not completely free in their operations and the so called occupation for such are sensitive issues such as alcoholism, and other social vices such as rape, prostitution cultism, smoking and others.
- Due to the sensitivity of such study, the population is often undefined.
- It is the sampling method that allows the researcher to contact just one person presumed to be part of his or her study's population, who will get others (his or her colleagues) in his or her network to be part of the sample of the study in progress.
- Findings generated via this medium cannot be generalized; they are for the group only.
- It has types like linear snowball sampling among others.
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