By Julia Simkus, published Jan 10, 2022 Show
by Saul Mcleod, PhD Snowball sampling is a non-probability sampling method where currently enrolled research participants help recruit future subjects for a study. For example, a researcher who is seeking to study leadership patterns could ask individuals to name others in their community who are influential. This technique is called “snowball” because the sample group grows like a rolling snowball. Non-probability sampling means that researchers, or other participants, choose the sample as opposed to randomly selecting it, so not all members of the population have an equal chance of being selected for the study. Key Terms
Snowball sampling requires special approval by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) whereby the researchers must provide valid justification for using this method. Researchers must also take precautions to protect the privacy of potential subjects, especially if the topic is sensitive or personal, such as studies of networks of drug users or prostitutes. In addition, each respondent has the opportunity to participate or decline. Current participants in studies using this method do not receive any compensation for providing referrals, and study participants are not required to identify any names of other potential participants. Types of snowball sampling
Applications: When is it usedSnowball sampling is used when researchers have difficulty finding participants for their studies. This typically occurs in studies on hidden populations, such as criminals, drug dealers or sex workers, as these individuals tend to be difficult for researchers to access. The snowball sampling method is beneficial because current participants are likely to know others who share similar characteristics that are relevant to the study. Members of these hidden populations tend to be closely connected as they share interests or are involved in the same groups, and they can inform others about the benefits of the study and reassure them of confidentiality. How to cluster sample?
AdvantagesEnables access to hidden populations- Snowball sampling enables researchers to conduct studies when finding participants might otherwise be challenging. Concealed individuals, such as drug users or sex workers, are difficult for researchers to access, but snowball sampling helps researchers to connect to these hidden populations. Avoids risk- Snowball sampling requires the approval of an Institutional Review Board to ensure the study is conducted ethically. In addition, each respondent has the opportunity to participate or to decline participation. Saves money and time- Since current subjects are used to locate other participants, researchers will invest less money and time in planning and sampling. LimitationsDifficult to determine sampling errorr- Snowball sampling is a non-probability sampling method, so researchers are unable to calculate the sampling error. Bias is possible- Since current participants select other members for the sample, bias is likely. The initial participants will have a strong impact on the rest of the sample. In addition, an individual who is well known and sociable is more likely to be recruited than one who is more introverted. Not always representative of greater populationBecause researchers are not selecting the participants themselves, they have little control over the sample. Researchers will thus have minimal knowledge as to whether the sample is representative of the target population. Examples
About the AuthorJulia Simkus is an undergraduate student at Princeton University, majoring in Psychology. She plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology upon graduation from Princeton in 2023. Julia has co-authored two journal articles, one titled “Substance Use Disorders and Behavioral Addictions During the COVID-19 Pandemic and COVID-19-Related Restrictions," which was published in Frontiers in Psychiatry in April 2021 and the other titled “Food Addiction: Latest Insights on the Clinical Implications," to be published in Handbook of Substance Misuse and Addictions: From Biology to Public Health in early 2022. How to reference this article:How to reference this article:Simkus, J. (2022, Jan 10). Snowball Sampling: Definition, Method and Examples. Simply Psychology. www.simplypsychology.org/snowball-sampling.html SourcesFelix-Medina, M. H., & Thompson, S. K. (2004). Combining link-tracing sampling and cluster sampling to estimate the size of hidden populations. JOURNAL OF OFFICIAL STATISTICS-STOCKHOLM-, 20(1), 19-38. Xiong, L. S., Chen, M. H., Chen, H. X., Xu, A. G., Wang, W. A., & Hu, P. J. (2004). A population‐based epidemiologic study of irritable bowel syndrome in South China: stratified randomized study by cluster sampling. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 19(11), 1217-1224. Home | About Us | Privacy Policy | Advertise | Contact Us Simply Psychology's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. © Simply Scholar Ltd - All rights reserved
What name is given to the group of individuals from which researchers actually select participants?The sample is the group of individuals who will actually participate in the research. To draw valid conclusions from your results, you have to carefully decide how you will select a sample that is representative of the group as a whole.
What is a group of individuals taking part in the research study?A sample in a research study is a relatively small number of individuals about whom information is obtained. The larger group to whom the information is then generalized is the population.
Where a sample group is chosen by the researcher This is known as?Probability sampling: Probability sampling is a sampling technique where a researcher sets a selection of a few criteria and chooses members of a population randomly.
Which refers to the process of selecting participants for research study?Sampling is the process of choosing participants for a research study. Sampling involves choosing a small group of participants that will represent a larger group.
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