Among the following research approaches, snowball sampling is primarily…
2022
Among the following research approaches, snowball sampling is primarily employed in:
Answer: B. Ethnographic research — CONCEPTSnowball sampling is a non-probability, chain-referral method. Researchers begin with a few eligible participants and use their social referrals to…
- A.
Historical research
- B.
Ethnographic research
- C.
Content analysis
- D.
Narrative analysis
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
CONCEPT
Snowball sampling is a non-probability, chain-referral method. Researchers begin with a few eligible participants and use their social referrals to reach further members, especially when no complete sampling frame exists.
APPLICATION
Ethnographic research studies people and cultures in their natural social settings. Because participants can introduce the researcher to other members of a connected or hard-to-reach group, chain referral can be used to build an ethnographic sample.
CONTRAST
Historical research primarily examines evidence from archives, records, and artifacts to interpret past events.
Content analysis systematically codes existing texts, documents, or media to identify patterns.
Narrative analysis interprets the sequence, structure, and meaning of stories or accounts.
These are research approaches or analytic methods, whereas participant referral is especially useful for recruiting people into field-based ethnographic work.
RESULT
Therefore, snowball sampling can be employed in ethnographic research.