Sampling Hard-to-Reach Populations
Rana B. Khoury
Abstract
Abstract Who is hard to reach, how do we access them, and should we? This chapter describes the characteristics of hard-to-reach or “hidden” populations, barriers to reaching them, and the meaning of sampling in social science research. It reviews qualitative approaches to identifying, accessing, and gaining the trust of hard-to-reach populations. Snowball sampling is an efficient and reliable technique for interview research, while ethnographic approaches can achieve unique access in challenging contexts. Finally, the chapter considers some problems and trade-offs that arise in studying these populations, emphasizing data limitations and saturation. Ethical considerations guide much of the chapter, given that hard-to-reach populations are often, but not always, vulnerable ones.