All about snowballs in research ❄️

I’m relying heavily on a snowball sampling technique for my dissertation research study, since I’m recruiting thousands of participants via social media. My goal is to obtain a minimum of 1800 completed surveys, which may require 3-5 times as many people to access the survey, since many won’t be eligible or complete the entire survey instrument.

So what do snowballs have to do with it? Imagine a snowball rolling down a hill. The further it goes, the larger it becomes as more snowflakes stick to it. In research, the snowflakes are completed surveys and that snowball is the sample size.

The more my survey is shared by participants and anyone who comes across the survey via my socials (or my website), the more the snowball rolls down the hill.

The thing I’ve heard most often from people is “I can’t think of any childfree people in my life to share it with”. That’s ok! Just share it on your socials widely! People who are interested will definitely click on it. I’m receiving a lot of comments in my survey and on social media that participants are grateful someone is researching the childfree community. I’m just glad to give back in this way.

So please, help the snowball grow. ❄️ Share the study widely via any of your socials!