Convenience Sampling Method, Research Paper Example

Definition of Convenience Sampling

Convenience sampling is a method that may be used to select study participants for a research study (Saumure & Given, 2008). Convenience sampling is the selection of random participants who are chosen to answer a set of basic questions that are non-specific (Research-Methodology.net, 2015).

Advantages of Convenience Sampling

The primary advantages of convenience sampling is its degree of difficulty, which is minimal, in addition to its level of simplicity and rapid method of data collection (Research-Methodology.net, 2015). This method also supports the development of research questions and a hypothesis, and is highly cost effective in comparison to other methods. This approach is likely to be effective in addressing simple and basic research questions and hypotheses in the early stages of study development, prior to the period where generalizability is required. Finally, convenience sampling is most effective during the early stages of the research process.

Disadvantages of Convenience Sampling

Convenience samples are not generalizable and do not apply to the broader areas of nursing research where scientific patterns are desired (Siedlecki, 2013). In contrast, probability sampling is applicable to a broader approach to nursing research is generally more effective in meeting the goals and objectives of a wide range of studies on a more lengthy m basis (Houser, 2013). However, this method is less than ideal because it limits the potential applicability of the results for future studies (Research-Methodology.net, 2015). It is important for nurses to determine method is most appropriate for the desired hypothesis, given the challenges of the research and what is required to meet the objectives of a given study through the research questions that are developed.

Choice of Sampling Method

Regardless of the sampling method that is chosen, it must be clearly defined, concise, and must be defended by the researcher with respect to the data that is generated throughout the course of the study (Siedlecki, 2013). Nurses who conduct research must also recognize bias and how it may impact the research strategy over the long term (Siedlecki, 2013). Most importantly, it is necessary to minimize confusion regarding a study that adopts the convenience method and is used to obtain basic information to a series of questions in a random format (Siedlecki, 2013). The choice of sample is often difficult for researchers to adopt because it is not conducive to generalizability; therefore, it is necessary to use this method only under specific conditions where generalizable results are not necessary that would apply to the larger population.

It is often difficult for nurses to determine which type of sampling method may be most appropriate for their needs. With the limited viability of the convenience sampling method and with its lack of generalizability, studies are not conducive to duplication and cannot be further expanded in future studies. Nonetheless, nurse researchers must be prepared to adopt convenience sampling only under the appropriate circumstances where it is applicable to the situation and recognize its value under specific conditions that will impact the outcomes that are generated. Convenience sampling offers a quick method to obtain answers to a set of questions, but it is not conducive to duplication and as an application for future studies. Therefore, many research studies in the nursing field should not adopt convenience sampling as the primary method because the results are not likely to support the desired outcomes for the topic moving forward. Nonetheless, convenience sampling may be appropriate as a starting point for some researchers in aiming to evaluate the responses of a random sample who will contribute to the topic on a broader scale.

References

Houser, J. (2013). Nursing Research: Reading, Using and Creating Evidence, 3^rd Edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Research-Methodology.net (2015). Convenience sampling. Retrieved from http://research-methodology.net/sampling/convenience-sampling/

Saumure, K., & Given, L.M. (2008). Convenience sample. From The Sage Encycolpedia of Research Methods. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

Siedlecki, S.L. (2013). Sampling in research: preventing bias and errors. Retrieved from http://my.clevelandclinic.org/ccf/media/files/nursing/2013-nursing-research-conference-handouts/2013-breakout-session-siedlecki-sampling-research.pdf