Kartopu Technique

The snowball sampling technique is used when it is difficult to access units comprising the population or when information about the population (such as size and information depth) is incomplete. This technical on researcher, Associate Professor Ali Baltacı, defines the purpose of snowball sampling as “reaching different phenomena by moving from person to person and from person to situations.” The sample is expanded through referrals, beginning with an initial interviewee and subsequently contacting individuals recommended by them. The choice of the first interviewee is important; it is expected that those interviewed form a communication network and share similar characteristics.

In a study conducted using the snowball technique, the research topic was “identifying factors influencing adolescents’ adaptation skills during the post pandemic.” Since the sample consisted of adolescents, a sufficient number of participants were selected through snowball sampling from among the people surrounding the research research team. The field where the snowball technique is most widely used and recognized is the application of instruction methods. Similarly, Professor Necdet Aykaç, a researcher in the field, highlighted the effectiveness of the snowball technique in educational practices, stating: “The snowball technique is a highly effective method for facilitating effective communication among students and encouraging active participation in the learning process. Through this technique, students gain the opportunity to work with every classmate, and learn to respect diverse perspectives and synthesize them into a common point.”

This technique helps overcome communication barriers within the classroom, enabling students to express their ideas more original and proactively. There are two distinct applications of the technique. The first application is used in instructional methods and proceeds as follows:

1. A topic is selected that aligns with the learning outcomes of the subject.

2. Students are asked to think individually about the topic.

3. Two students are paired to discuss the topic together.

4. The pairs combine to form groups of four and discuss the topic.

5. Two groups of four merge into a group of eight to discuss the topic.

6. A spokesperson is selected from the group to present the conclusions reached during the discussion.

The second application is used in other domains of the snowball technique and proceeds as follows:

1. Students are arranged in an appropriate structure for grouping.

2. Different topics or questions are assigned to each group.

3. Each group writes down its thoughts and answers on a sheet of paper author.

4. Once the allotted time has expired, the papers containing thoughts or answers are collected into a top.

5. A selected student or teacher chooses a table and throws the snowball to another table. The group at the receiving table reads the ideas on the paper, adds their own thoughts or solution suggestions.

6. The snowball continues to be passed from table to table until it reaches every table. The final table to receive the snowball discusses or presents the ideas contained within it and engages in together consultation with all groups.