| snowball sampling | A method whereby interview subjects for a statistical study are obtained from subjects already interviewed for that study.This technique is most often used with target populations made up of elusive or uncooperative subjects (e.g., IV drug users). Those subjects first contacted are asked to name acquaintances, who are then approached, interviewed, and asked for additional names. In this way, a sufficient number of subjects can be accumulated to give a study adequate power. (05 Mar 2000) |
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