Once you choose a research topic and get the approval of your research supervisor on the research proposal you submitted, the next step is to get into the practicalities of research. The most important process of research is to chart out a practical course for data collection. Data collection requires designing a sample. A sample can be designed by using various sampling strategies. However, the most economical and easiest sampling technique is convenience sampling. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of convenience sampling and its advantages in academic research.
What is Convenience sampling?
The term “convenience sampling” refers to a technique used by researchers to gather information from a handy group of respondents. It is the most frequently employed sampling technique since it is quick, simple, and affordable. Members are frequently easy to contact if they want to be included in the sample. Easy accessibility can be due to several factors, such as geographical proximity, availability of people at a certain time, and the desire of participants to participate in the research process. This sampling technique uses a non-probability sampling technique, which means that, unlike probability sampling, research participants are not chosen randomly; instead, selecting respondents is based on convenience.
Convenience sampling is most common in qualitative and medical research. Qualitative researchers in social sciences often use this sampling technique in cases where the research respondents are easily accessible. For example, if the researcher lives in a particular community and wants to understand the voting preferences of people, then he or she may choose to conveniently sample the respondents due to geographical proximity and cultural affinity. Similarly, in medical research, many researchers prefer convenience sampling to study a group of patients present at a particular hospital or clinic. This sampling technique is useful when the researcher wants to explore and research the following things:
- To get an overview of the belief, ideas and attitudes of people
- To conduct a pilot test of the research survey
- To develop hypotheses after data collection, which can be later used for quantitative research studies.
However, researchers argue that convenience sampling is selection sampling which implies that there is always some biasness since you consciously decide which people should be a part of the research. Therefore, it is imperative to bear in mind that biasness seeps into the research process, and the researcher must take active measures to mitigate the impact of biases on the research findings.
What are the applications of convenience sampling?
Businesses and companies use convenience sampling to assess how consumers perceive them in the marketplace. Data is gathered from prospective consumers to monitor opinions of a recently launched product or to better understand certain concerns. It may be the only choice you have in some situations.
What are the advantages of convenience sampling?
Quick Data Collection
Researchers have time constraints and the added pressure of completing their dissertations on time. It is best to use convenience sampling in such a scenario because it helps the researcher collect the data quickly. It is much faster than random or stratified sampling, which uses probability sampling techniques and is often complicated. On the other hand, convenience sampling is much quicker and more efficient since the researcher can easily access the research respondents and collect the data in minimal time.
Economical
Unlike other sampling techniques, convenience sampling is economical. The researcher can generate multiple samples because it is a simple technique and does not require much money or time. So, compared with other sampling techniques, convenience sampling ensures that the researcher gathers data without spending much money.
Easier and convenient
Data collection is a hassle and requires a lot of time. However, convenience sampling makes the job of the researcher easier because it is easier and more convenient. The researcher can easily access the respondents and communicate with them to gather data. Data gathering is simple and transparent. Usually, convenience sampling takes into account the current population. The researchers have easy access to samples. They do not have to travel a great deal when gathering data. Targets are quickly achieved, and data collecting can start right after the questionnaire is designed, and data collection can be finished on time.
Less Complicated
Convenience sampling is less complicated than other sampling techniques. It does not require lengthy processes of generating numbers which is usually the case in probability sampling techniques. The researcher only needs to select individuals from a pool of people and select the research participants. For example, if an education researcher wants to collect data, he or she can go to a nearby school or university, thus making it easier for the researcher to gather data.
Useful for exploratory research
Convenience sampling is useful for exploratory research studies. Using this sampling technique, researchers can gather information about people’s beliefs, ideas, and attitudes. Novice researchers are often overwhelmed with designing a research sample; however, they can always get help from expert writers at PhD Dissertation Writing Services.
How to reduce biasness using convenience sampling?
Using convenience sampling in conjunction with probability sampling is the most effective technique to minimise bias. Probability sampling includes the assessment criterion alongside it to reduce sampling bias because it is typically skewed. The researcher can utilise convenience and probability sampling approaches to create a more precise estimate after obtaining an accurate notion of this bias through probability sampling. To counteract it, the probability component that is utilised together with convenience sampling must be strong enough. The last thing a researcher needs is bias to render the entire sample useless. Probability sampling can help to minimise or perhaps get rid of this bias. Also, it is advisable to get help from professional research writers. Professional research writers are well-versed in designing bias-free samples and can help you gather rich data for your research. If you need any help designing the sample size using convenience sampling and probability sampling, you can always reach out to experts at Dissertation Writers UK.
Conclusion
Convenience sampling is the most useful sampling technique for researchers who want to conduct qualitative research. It helps the researchers gather information about people’s beliefs, attitudes and opinions. Researchers can conveniently create a research sample with minimal resources and without much hassle.
