Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is commonly used to study hard‑to‑reach populations but relies on tracking individual recruitment networks, which may not be feasible in anonymous settings. This study explores modifications to RDS that preserve respondent anonymity while retaining analytic utility. Simulated data from a hypothetical anonymous RDS study were used to compare group‑based recruitment tracking with traditional network‑based RDS. Results indicate that anonymous RDS can generate point and interval estimates once equilibrium is reached, though with reduced precision. Despite limitations in assessing sampling success, anonymous RDS offers a systematic alternative to convenience sampling and provides tools for evaluating external validity in sensitive research contexts.
