Question:

____________________ is the process by which researchers begin by identifying several participants who fit the study’s criteria and then ask these people to suggest a colleague, a friend, or a family member who also fits the study’s criteria.

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Think “referrals for rare/hidden populations” \Rightarrow snowball sampling. Random/stratified use probability selection; purposive uses researcher judgment without referrals.
Updated On: Sep 1, 2025
  • Random sampling
  • Stratified random sampling
  • Purposive sampling
  • Snowball sampling
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identify the sampling mechanism described
The description involves {referrals}: initial eligible participants recommend other eligible participants. This is the hallmark of snowball (chain-referral) sampling.
Step 2: Eliminate distractors
(A) Random sampling: every unit has known, equal probability—no referrals.
(B) Stratified random sampling: population split into strata, then random samples within strata—no referral chain.
(C) Purposive sampling: researcher intentionally selects cases for specific characteristics, but not via participant referrals.
Final Answer: (D) Snowball sampling.
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