Editing Snowball sampling (section)

===Advantages===
# '''Locate hidden populations''': It is possible for the surveyors to include people in the survey that they would not have known but, through the use of social network.
# '''Locating people of a specific population''': There are no lists or other obvious sources for locating members of the population (e.g. the homeless, users of illegal drugs). The investigators use previous contact and communication with subjects then, the investigators are able to gain access and cooperation from new subjects. The key in gaining access and documenting the cooperation of subjects is trust. This is achieved that investigators act in good faith and establish good working relationship with the subjects.
# '''Methodology''': As subjects are used to locate the hidden population, the researcher invests less money and time in sampling. Snowball sampling method does not require complex planning and the staffing required is considerably smaller in comparison to other [[Sampling (statistics)|sampling methods]].<ref name="Mirela2">{{cite journal|date=2011|title=Using the Snowball Method in Marketing Research on Hidden Populations|journal=Challenges of the Knowledge Society|volume=1|pages=1341–1351|last1=Voicu|first1=Mirela-Cristina}}</ref>

Snowball sampling can be used in both alternative and complementary research methodologies. As an alternative methodology, when other research methods can not be employed, due to challenging circumstancing and when random sampling is not possible. As complementary methodology with other research methods to boost the quality and efficiency of research conduct and to minimize the sampling bias like [[quota sampling]].<ref name="Cohen 423–435"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sru.soc.surrey.ac.uk/SRU33.html|title=Social Research Update 33: Accessing Hidden and Hard-to-Reach Populations|website=sru.soc.surrey.ac.uk|access-date=2017-04-02}}</ref>