What Is Snowball Sampling In Qualitative Research?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Snowball sampling is

a recruitment technique in which research participants are asked to assist researchers in identifying other potential subjects

.

Is snowball sampling qualitative or quantitative?

Snowball sampling is a commonly employed sampling method in

qualitative research

, used in medical science and in various social sciences, including sociology, political science, anthropology and human geography [1–3].

How is snowball sampling used in qualitative research?

Qualitative researchers can also use snowball sampling techniques

to identify study participants

. In snowball sampling, a researcher identifies one or two people they would like to include in their study but then relies on those initial participants to help identify additional study participants.

Why is snowball sampling good?

Advantages of Snowball Sampling

The chain referral process allows the researcher to reach populations that are difficult to sample when using other sampling methods. The process is

cheap, simple and cost-efficient

. This sampling technique needs little planning and fewer workforce compared to other sampling techniques.

What type of sampling is best for qualitative research?


Non-probability sampling techniques

are the most appropriate for qualitative approaches. The main ones being purposive (judgemental), convenience and snow-balling.

Which method of sampling is best?


Simple random sampling

: One of the best probability sampling techniques that helps in saving time and resources, is the Simple Random Sampling method. It is a reliable method of obtaining information where every single member of a population is chosen randomly, merely by chance.

Is snowball a sample?


Snowball sampling

or chain-referral

sampling

is defined as a non-probability

sampling

technique in which the

samples

have traits that are rare to find. This is a

sampling

technique, in which existing subjects provide referrals to recruit

samples

required for a research study.

Why is it called snowball sampling?

Snowball sampling is where research participants recruit other participants for a test or study. It is used where potential participants are hard to find. It’s called snowball sampling

because (in theory) once you have the ball rolling, it picks up more “snow” along the way and becomes larger and larger

.

What are the 4 types of non-probability sampling?

Common non-probability sampling methods include

convenience sampling, voluntary response sampling, purposive sampling, snowball sampling, and quota sampling

.

What is snowball sampling with example?

One such method is snowball sampling, a method

in which researchers recruit initial subjects to be in a study and then ask those initial subjects to recruit additional subjects to be in the study

. … Snowball sampling is also sometimes referred to as chain-referral sampling.

What is a referred sample?

Referral sampling usually involves

identifying individuals who meet inclusion criteria, gaining their cooperation, and then asking them to recruit additional respondents with the same conditions

(Heckathorn 2002). … We compare our experiences conducting two surveys depending on referral sampling.

What is purposeful sampling?

Purposeful sampling is

a technique widely used in qualitative research for the identification and selection of information-rich cases for the most effective use of limited resources

(Patton, 2002). … Nevertheless, sampling must be consistent with the aims and assumptions inherent in the use of either method.

What is non probability sampling example?

Examples of nonprobability sampling include:

Convenience, haphazard or accidental sampling

– members of the population are chosen based on their relative ease of access. To sample friends, co-workers, or shoppers at a single mall, are all examples of convenience sampling.

What are 3 examples of qualitative data?

The

hair colors of players on a football team

, the color of cars in a parking lot, the letter grades of students in a classroom, the types of coins in a jar, and the shape of candies in a variety pack are all examples of qualitative data so long as a particular number is not assigned to any of these descriptions.

What are the 5 qualitative approaches?

The Five Qualitative approach is a method to framing Qualitative Research, focusing on the methodologies of five of the major traditions in qualitative research:

biography, ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, and case study

.

How do you select participants in qualitative research?

  1. Make a list.
  2. Identify and sample every person.
  3. Identify a location.
  4. Ask participants.
  5. Contact people.
  6. Refine your sample.
Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.