Question

Which of the following sampling techniques would you recommend to a researcher interested in studying rare individuals, like people who have been struck by lightning?

a) Stratified sampling
b) Snowball sampling
c) Convenience sampling
d) Quota sampling

Answer 1

The best sampling technique for studying rare individuals, like those struck by lightning, is b) snowball sampling. This method uses social networks to find and recruit additional rare participants, making it effective for such unique populations.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a researcher interested in studying rare individuals, such as people who have been struck by lightning, the recommended sampling technique is snowball sampling. This non-probability sampling method is particularly useful for reaching populations that are difficult to access or are of a rare nature. Snowball sampling leverages existing social networks to recruit participants, making it an efficient method for studying rare phenomena. By starting with a small pool of participants from the rare group and asking them to refer others they know who have had the same experience, the researcher can build a sample that is more reflective of the population in question.