Which sampling technique is a variation on purposive sampling in which participants are asked to recommend acquaintances for the study?

Which sampling technique is a variation on purposive sampling in which participants are asked to recommend acquaintances for the study?

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

Answer: (A)

Snowball sampling is a variation of purposive sampling where current participants refer acquaintances who meet the study criteria, creating a chain of referrals that expands the sample. This approach is especially useful when the population is hard to reach or not easily identified, because initial participants help locate others within their networks. It relies on social connections, which can make it easier to access relevant individuals, though it may introduce bias since the sample tends to reflect the networks and relationships of the initial participants. In contrast, quota sampling aims to fill predefined category quotas, systematic random sampling selects units at regular intervals from a list, and convenience sampling relies on readily available participants.

Snowball sampling is a variation of purposive sampling where current participants refer acquaintances who meet the study criteria, creating a chain of referrals that expands the sample. This approach is especially useful when the population is hard to reach or not easily identified, because initial participants help locate others within their networks. It relies on social connections, which can make it easier to access relevant individuals, though it may introduce bias since the sample tends to reflect the networks and relationships of the initial participants. In contrast, quota sampling aims to fill predefined category quotas, systematic random sampling selects units at regular intervals from a list, and convenience sampling relies on readily available participants.