In research, what is meant by convenience sampling?

Convenience sampling refers to the practice of selecting samples based on their easy availability and accessibility rather than employing a randomized or systematic approach. This method is often used when researchers want to gather data quickly and with minimal resources. The ease of collection can be influenced by factors such as location, time constraints, or the willingness of participants to be involved in the study.

In convenience sampling, researchers do not aim for a representative sample of the population, which can result in biases since the selected individuals may not accurately reflect the broader population. This method is practical for exploratory research where obtaining a quick insight is more valuable than ensuring statistical rigor.

Other sampling methods, such as random sampling or judgment sampling, implement different criteria. Random sampling emphasizes randomness to minimize bias, expert judgment relies on specialists to determine sample suitability, and techniques that adhere to statistical power requirements focus on ensuring a sufficient sample size to detect effects reliably. Each of these approaches has its necessary context and use cases, emphasizing the particular utility and limitations of convenience sampling.