Initiation of the RDS Recruitment Process: Seed Selection and Role

Abstract

This chapter addresses the initiation of RDS, and examines the selection and role of the seeds: the first respondents in the surveys using RDS methodology. It is organized around three main questions: Who are the seeds? How do they work? Why are they important? We address these questions paying particular attention to the strategic selection of seeds, their training and role in the day-to-day sampling process. Therefore, although the selection of seeds takes place at the beginning of a survey, this process needs careful consideration, as it is likely affect data collection and analysis.