What is a common disadvantage of convenience sampling?

Convenience sampling is a method where samples are drawn from a population based on their easy availability and proximity to the researcher. This approach is often used for its practical and cost-effective nature, but a significant downside is that it can frequently lead to biased results.

The bias in convenience sampling arises because the sample may not accurately represent the overall population. Individuals who are easily accessible may share similar characteristics, experiences, or opinions, which can skew the data collected. Consequently, the findings from such a sample cannot be generalized to the larger population with confidence. This limitation can lead to conclusions that are misleading, as they may not consider the diversity and variability present among the entire population.

In contrast, methods that prioritize random selection are designed to mitigate bias and enhance the representativeness of the sample. Therefore, the issue of bias is a fundamental and well-recognized disadvantage of convenience sampling that impacts the validity of research conclusions.