Snowball sampling

• What is snowball sampling used for?

  When target population is difficult to locate
• How does snowball sampling work?

  Participants nominate or volunteer other participants
• What are the advantages of snowball sampling?

  • Studies issues unavailable through other techniques
  • Often the only way to get a sample in difficult circumstances
• What are the disadvantages of snowball sampling?

  • Likely to be biased
  • Relies on people's connections
• In what scenario would snowball sampling be appropriate?

  When the target population is small and hidden
• Why might a sampling frame not be available in snowball sampling?

  Because the population is difficult to identify