What is convenience sampling?

Convenience sampling is a non-probability sampling technique that involves selecting participants based on their availability.

Convenience sampling is a type of non-probability sampling technique that is commonly used in research studies. It involves selecting participants based on their availability and willingness to participate in the study. This method is often used when the researcher has limited time, resources, or access to the population of interest.

For example, a researcher may choose to conduct a survey on a university campus and select participants who are readily available in the student center or library. This method is convenient for the researcher, but it may not be representative of the entire population.

One of the main disadvantages of convenience sampling is that it can lead to biased results. Since participants are selected based on their availability, the sample may not be representative of the entire population. This can lead to inaccurate conclusions and generalizations about the population.

To minimize the potential for bias, researchers can use random sampling techniques to select participants from the available pool. For example, they could use a random number generator to select participants from a list of available individuals. This would help to ensure that the sample is more representative of the population.

In conclusion, convenience sampling is a non-probability sampling technique that involves selecting participants based on their availability. While it can be a convenient method for researchers, it can also lead to biased results and should be used with caution.