Snowball sampling, also known as chain referral sampling or respondent-driven sampling, is a common way for researchers to recruit hard to reach populations into qualitative research. The method involves identifying a small number of initial subjects, interviewing them, and then asking them to suggest additional potential participants. The process repeats itself until the sample reaches its desired size. It sounds relatively straight forward but doing it correctly can be surprisingly difficult. The researcher must actively and creatively develop and manage the sample’s initial recruitment, progress and closure.
In the case of post-conflict societies, it can also be ethically treacherous. The local population are in most cases hesitant, distrustful and suspicious when it comes to sharing information with non-local researchers. Chain-based sampling methods need to be adapted in culturally and experientially sensitive ways in order to keep the participants safe and the research on ethically solid ground (see Philipp Schulz’ piece in this series). One successful example of this is the way I gained access to former female combatants and wartime sexual violence survivors in Sierra Leone.
Starting a snowball after a war
The Sierra Leonean civil war (1991-2002) saw many different rebel groups capture girls and women and subject them to sexual violence, forced marriage, and forced labour. Some of those captured also took on active roles within the rebel groups. Once the war ended, these women and (now grown up) girls found it difficult to reintegrate. They faced discrimination and stigma in their communities, and institutional support for reintegration was lacking. It was extremely difficult for them to socially and economically survive in the city and villages. For many the situation has changed little in the intervening years.
