Methodological Approach to Study the Hidden Population: A Case of Trafficked Women in Mexico

Arunkumar Acharya, Universidad Autónoma de Nuveo Leon

For a variety of reasons, there is always an inconvenient to get data from the key subpopulations, particularly those whose behaviors are illegal or illicit. Non-probability sampling approaches such as network sampling are the simplest to carry out, but are subject to a high risk of sampling bias, whereas most of the probability sampling methods considered are limited because they are only adequate under certain circumstances and for some groups. Considering the difficulties to obtain quality of data and information, in this paper an attempt has been made to stand out an appropriate method and technique to study hidden populations. It explains the method and technique used to study trafficked women in Mexico City. Using the time-space sampling and network techniques, the research identified seventy-three trafficked women, sixty were interviewed through a semi-structured questionnaire and thirteen through an in-depth interview.