Which sampling strategy is often used in qualitative research to help identify participants through referrals?

The sampling strategy used in qualitative research that involves identifying participants through referrals is snowball sampling. This method is particularly useful when the population of interest may be hard to access or when individuals possess specific characteristics or experiences that are relevant to the research.

In snowball sampling, an initial participant is recruited, and then that participant refers others who may also meet the criteria for inclusion in the study. This process continues, effectively creating a cascading network of participants. This approach leverages existing social networks, helping researchers to reach individuals who may not be easily identifiable through other sampling methods. This is particularly valuable in studies focused on marginalized or elusive populations where traditional recruiting methods might fail.

Using snowball sampling offers the benefit of building trust and rapport within the community being studied, as participants are more likely to engage when referred by someone they know. This method aligns well with qualitative research's emphasis on collecting rich, in-depth data, as it allows for a more profound exploration of a specific experience or phenomenon through connections formed within a community.