Snowball Sampling

In snowball sampling, researchers ask individuals to name others who would be candidates for the research. For example, if anthropologists need to interview elite members in a particular community, they may ask people to name powerful members of the community. Even though there is no official list, anthropologists can produce an exhaustive list of elites in the community. Snowball sampling is useful for studying populations that are difficult to find without using social networks. This method is appropriate when anthropologists study a small population because people need to know a majority of the population in order to name appropriate candidates. 

Source:

• Bernard, Russell H. 2002 Research Methods in Anthropology: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods. Walnut Creek: AltaMira Press.

This page was created by a Minnesota State University, Mankato student. Last updated 11/14/04.