In Module 8, we finished up our look at sampling strategies, particularly non-probability-based sampling. The assigned readings offered some perspective on samples used to collect data from populations that are difficult to access using traditional means.

In this week’s discussion, come up with an example on any criminal justice-related topic of your choice that would either require or benefit from research involving non-probability samples. Give a brief description of the phenomenon and your perspective on why it either cannot or should not be studied with larger, probability-based techniques. Why is the issue important to study, and what new insights could we expect using your approach?