Snowball Sampling
A non-probability method in which existing participants refer the researcher to further participants, building the sample through networks.
Snowball sampling starts with a small number of initial participants who meet the study criteria and asks them to recommend others in their networks. Each wave of referrals expands the sample, which is why the method suits populations that are hard to reach or list, such as members of informal communities, people with rare experiences, or groups wary of outsiders. Its main weakness is that the sample reflects social networks: people connected to your starting points are overrepresented, and isolated members may never be reached.
In a thesis, snowball sampling needs a transparent account of the seeds, the referral process, and how many waves you followed. Acknowledge the network bias openly in your limitations section. Done this way, the method shows resourcefulness in reaching a difficult population while keeping your claims proportionate to how the sample was built.
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