Which sampling method relies on existing contacts and referrals and is often non-random?

Which sampling method relies on existing contacts and referrals and is often non-random?

• A. Random Sample
• B. Convenience Sample
• C. Snowball Sample
• D. Systematic Sample

Answer: (C)

Understanding sampling methods where the way people are chosen matters for who ends up in the study. Snowball sampling works by starting with a few initial contacts and asking them to refer others, who then refer more people, and so on. Because recruitment flows through existing social networks, the process depends on who researchers can reach through those connections. This makes the method non-random and often the only practical option for hard-to-reach or hidden groups, since participants bring in others like a chain. That contrasts with a random sample, where each member of the population has a known chance of selection, and with systematic sampling, where every nth member from a list is chosen. Convenience sampling selects whoever is readily available, which is not driven by referrals from initial participants in the same way.

Understanding sampling methods where the way people are chosen matters for who ends up in the study.

Snowball sampling works by starting with a few initial contacts and asking them to refer others, who then refer more people, and so on. Because recruitment flows through existing social networks, the process depends on who researchers can reach through those connections. This makes the method non-random and often the only practical option for hard-to-reach or hidden groups, since participants bring in others like a chain.

That contrasts with a random sample, where each member of the population has a known chance of selection, and with systematic sampling, where every nth member from a list is chosen. Convenience sampling selects whoever is readily available, which is not driven by referrals from initial participants in the same way.