Sampling lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations.

TLDR

Sampling is the most influential component of research with lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations, and poor designs can bias results that mislead stakeholders. The authors aim to describe probability and nonprobability sampling methods used in LGB populations and critically discuss their advantages and disadvantages. They review and compare these sampling methods, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses in the context of research questions and designs. They conclude that no single sampling methodology is correct or incorrect for LGB populations, and researchers must evaluate each method’s advantages and disadvantages relative to their specific research question and design.

Abstract

Sampling has been the single most influential component of conducting research with lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) populations. Poor sampling designs can result in biased results that will mislead other researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. Investigators wishing to study LGB populations must therefore devote significant energy and resources to choosing a sampling approach and executing the sampling plan. The authors describe probability and nonprobability sampling methods used in LGB populations and critically discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the sampling methods they review. The authors conclude that no single sampling methodology is correct or incorrect for use in LGB populations; rather, researchers must evaluate advantages and disadvantages of each sampling methodology in the context of the specific research question and the research design.