The process of collecting data from random participants for the sake of research is known as convenience sampling. Also known as accidental sampling, such data collection is generally done from human subjects as it is easily accessible. However, when conducting convenience sampling, the subjects are not selected strategically, making for non-probability sampling.

Data is collected from a pool of varying respondents. The purpose of the research determines the technique used for sampling and the sampling amount.

Why do we need to use convenience sampling?
Evident from the name, convenience sampling, in simple words, is quite convenient. It helps to save time by selecting random subjects for data sampling for research. Though this does not consider the entire populace, it surely helps to describe one of the possible outcomes of the research.

Convenience sampling is relatively easy to conduct and does not require many monetary methods. It allows the entire process to be quick and without any limitations. Let us take a look at the following example:

You have been asked to conduct a study for KFC. You cannot possibly find every KFC customer in town to conduct your survey. Instead, you conduct convenience sampling on the customers that are arriving at the store. It makes the process authentic and does not require much time to conduct.

Convenience sampling is a simple method of collecting/sampling data for studies required on a vast population, and no specific conditions limit the outcome.

The different methods of convenience sampling:
The method of conducting convenience sampling is based on the purpose of the task. However, the primary methods are overall similar. Follow these three simple steps to conduct convenience sampling.

• Sample collection: Start by collecting data from respondents and noting them down.
• Repeat: Repeat the process of the data collection of the next data using different respondents/participants. It will help you to gather more data, and the probability of finding an accurate solution increases.
• Cross-check: Analyse both the samples separately and draw similarities to conclude your study. Since you have more data, you would easily find the common factors to determine the fluctuations.

Convenience Sampling: Advantages and disadvantages
Like everything else, convenience sampling comes with its own set of pros and cons. So let us start by looking at the advantages.

Convenience sampling: Pros

• Easy to conduct and time-saving: Convenience sampling is relatively easy and does not require much time. It eliminates the need for significant investments or challenging explorations. Though it would be wrong to say that convenience sampling does not require any time, it sure does take a lot less time than any other research method. The techniques used are pretty straightforward, making the entire process easy to carry out.
• Inexpensive: The method of data sampling involves the collection of data from random people. Convenience sampling also does not require intricate instruments to record or collect data. It makes the process quite affordable and does not even need a proper lab setting to be conducted.
• Selection criteria for participants are not strict: The selection of participants is quite simple and does not include any sample bias. There is no strict eligibility criterion since subjects are selected at random. Since there are no strict rules to select participants, the process is quite flexible and inclusive.

Now that we have taken a look at the advantages let’s start with some of the cons of convenience sampling.

Convenience sampling: Cons

• Inaccurate results: Convenience sampling does not represent the entire population which makes the entire process biases. It is not a suitable method to sample data when accurate studies are needed to be conducted. Furthermore, the data is only collected from a handful of random participants, which cannot justify the exact conclusion.
• Convincing people can be a challenge: Though convenience sampling is convenient enough, convincing people to participate is not. Most people will not have enough time to be a part of the study or be interested. Spending time convincing people to participate can cause the process to get time-consuming.
• Over/under-representation: As mentioned previously, convenience sampling can have biased solutions. Let us take a look at the following example. You have been asked to conduct a study on the healthcare of employees in the manufacturing industry. The manufacturing industry is a vast one with millions of people working in different roles. If you collect data from the workers and not from the engineers, supervisors, and managers, you cannot conclusively deduce the results for the entire manufacturing industry. Therefore, in most cases, the result is either under or overrepresented.

Now that we have discussed the pros and cons of convenience sampling, we need to keep in mind that every method comes with its own set of disadvantages; however, as compared to other methods, convenience sampling has significantly fewer limitations. Furthermore, sometimes the limitations can be every minute and neglected, making the process quite fast and easy on a low budget.

The convenience sampling method has been in use for many years. The cons presented by this method can be easily countered by devoting more time and conducting the method several times to filter out the right solution.

Total Assignment Help
Incase, you are looking for an opportunity to work from home and earn big money. TotalAssignmenthelp Affiliate program is the best choice for you. 

Do visit :https://www.totalassignmenthelp.com/affiliate-program for more details

Total Assignment help is an assignment help Online service available in 9 countries. Our local operations span across Australia, US, UK, South east Asia and the Middle East. With extensive experience in academic writing, Total assignment help has a strong track record delivering quality writing at a nominal price that meet the unique needs of students in our local markets.

We have specialized network of highly trained writers, who can provide best possible assignment help solution for all your needs.  Next time you are looking for assignment help, make sure to give us a try.