Huconvenience Sampling, Research Paper Example

The selection of a population sample for study is one of the most important steps of the research process. Without determining an adequate sample size or method by which to select participants, research studies would not be possible (Ebling Library, 2015). Two participant recruitment methods that are typically used for this purpose are convenience sampling and random sampling. Random sampling is often the preferable choice because it allows researchers to select individuals that are representative of the population being studied. However, it is challenging to recruit participants through this method and doing so properly often requires that a large sample be collected (Powell, 1997). For some studies, such as pharmaceutical testing, it is impossible to use random sampling because the chances of finding an individual in the general population with the appropriate inclusion criteria for the study are very low. To ensure that studies are able to generate relevant data in spite of this problem, some researchers prefer to use convenience samples so they are able to gain a greater number of individuals with the necessary population characteristics (Boxill et al., 1997).

The primary advantages of convenience sampling are that the method allows researchers to have a more direct access to study participants and that the researchers generally already have an understanding of the characteristics of this population. The most common example of convenience sampling is when health care professionals conduct studies based on the patients that are inpatients at their medical center. These individuals act as a captive audience in a sense, so researchers are more easily able to approach them about studies they may be eligible for. Furthermore, this makes the follow up process simpler because these patients rely on this particular institution for care regularly, independent of the study.

When conducting random sampling methods, it is often very time consuming to find the right type and number of participants. Depending on the method used to achieve recruitment, this could be a costly process as well. A popular random sampling method is sending a paper survey to individuals that may participate in the study. To do so, the researchers need to purchase paper, ink, envelopes, and postage. To have a high number of respondents, it is often necessary for the research team to send this application to thousands of people. As a consequence, this is ultimately a costly process.

Although there are many benefits related to convenience sampling, there are also many disadvantages associated with the process. Selection bias becomes more likely when researchers are familiar with the individuals that they are recruiting to their studies, Thus, convenience samples are not as representative of the overall population as random sampling (Houser, 2013). Occasionally, the results are only internally valid (Research-Methodology.net, 2015). On the other hand, research using convenience samples can be performed quickly and easily. This allows researchers to determine whether it would be valuable to study the same question using a random sample in the future, in a manner that saves both money and time. Thus, both convenience sampling and random sampling are practical applications, but their value appears in different situations.

References

Boxill, Ian; Chambers, Claudia; Wint, Eleanor (1997). Introduction to Social Research With Applications to the Caribbean. University of The West Indies Press.

Ebling Library. (2015). Nursing Resources: Sampling Methods and Statistics. Retrieved from http://researchguides.ebling.library.wisc.edu/c.php?g=293229&p=1953451

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

Powell, Ronald R. (1997). Basic Research Methods for Librarians (3 ed.). Ablex Publishing.

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