Snowball sampling: a cautionary tale involving a study of older drug users

Jaime Waters

202 citations0/0 files storedInternational Journal of Social Research Methodology

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Survey Methodology and Nonresponse Survey Sampling and Estimation Techniques Census and Population Estimation

Abstract

Snowball sampling is generally seen as a highly effective sampling technique that allows for the study of difficult to reach or ‘hidden’ populations. It is also seen as a valuable tool for the study of particularly sensitive or private matters. As a result, it was chosen as the sampling method for a research study into illegal drug users over the age of 40 who are not in contact with the criminal justice authorities or treatment agencies regarding their use. However, there proved to be great difficulty in locating and interviewing potential participants using snowball sampling. Four reasons for this are proposed, and it is suggested that snowball sampling is prone to failure in particular circumstances. Thus, caution should be exercised when considering its adoption as a sample-building technique.

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References

2002Qualitative research & evaluation methods 1981Snowball Sampling: Problems and Techniques of Chain Referral Sampling 1963Outsiders; studies in the sociology of deviance 2008Sampling Knowledge: The Hermeneutics of Snowball Sampling in Qualitative Research 2001Accessing Hidden and Hard-to-reach Populations: Snowball Research Strategies 1946Street Corner Society: The Social Structure of an Italian Slum 1998The Focus Group Guidebook 2005Snowball sampling: using social networks to research non‐heterosexual women

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