Examining The Effect of Trust and Distrust on Knowledge Sharing and Knowledge Hiding in the Oil and Gas Industry

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Ref No: 2259

 Snow Ball Sampling

Probability Vs Non Probability Sampling

Examining The Effect of Trust and Distrust:In the majority of the research initiatives, the most common sampling method preferred by the researchers is the probability-based process.  In the probability research sampling, every participant has the same chance of being selected from the population, and hence there is a true representation of the population.

However, in this statistical sampling process, the researcher needs access to substantial amounts of time, monetary, workforce and other resources to develop a sample which is representative of the population.  This is the primary reason due to which the probability-based sampling process might not be suitable for all types of research activities.  In certain scenarios, the probability-based sampling process is simply inconvenient for the researchers, and a more suitable approach is required to effectively achieve the research objectives. The non-probability based sampling approach helps the researchers to develop the sample on a subjective basis (Handcock & Gile, 2011).

Every individual within the population does not have the same probability of being selected, rather the researcher selects the sample which is most convenient to assemble based on the resource limitations and the research objectives.  Snowball sampling is one of the most utilized non-probability based sampling techniques, as it helps the researchers develop an effective sample, on a feasible and convenient basis.

Core Attributes of Snowball Sampling

Snowball sampling also referred to as the Chain referral method is a non-probability research sampling technique.  This sampling technique is utilized in the scenarios when the target population is difficult to reach and the researcher requires the social network of the participants to recruit further individuals.  The sampling process is initiated through the first participant of the research activity. This individual is referred to as the seed, which will provide further information regarding other suitable candidates.

It is very important that the researcher makes a substantial effort to select the most appropriate relevant first participant, as this individual would have a direct impact on the recruitment of the rest the sample (Emerson, 2015).  After conducting the research activity with the seed participant, the researcher enquires this individual regarding other suitable candidates.

This sampling process is highly biased by the perception and thinking of the first sample participants. The seed participant has to rely on his/her social connections and network within the industry to identify and then recommend the most suitable candidates for the research activity.  The attribute of suitability is predominantly dependent on the perception of the research participants; hence it is prone to biased behaviour.  The sampling process expands with every wave of the participant selection process, as more individuals are identified by participants the sample size increases similar to a literal snowballing process.

Just as a snowball increases in size as it rolls down a slope, the sample size increases as more participants are identified by the already selected individuals.  Through an effective snow small sampling process, the researcher can gain access to a sample which he/she might not have been able to develop on his own, by utilizing the social network of the research participants themselves………………………….