Which sampling method uses respondents who are readily accessible to the researcher, such as employees, friends, or relatives?

Which sampling method uses respondents who are readily accessible to the researcher, such as employees, friends, or relatives?

• A. Convenience Sample
• B. Systematic Random Sample
• C. Stratified Sampling
• D. Purposive Sampling

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is choosing participants based on how easy they are to reach. This sampling method relies on readily available people—like employees, friends, or relatives—so data can be collected quickly and with minimal effort. Because selection is driven by convenience rather than a plan to represent the bigger group, it’s a non-probability approach. The trade-off is that the results may be biased and not generalizable to the wider population, since those easily accessible may share characteristics that differ from others. Other methods differ in how they pick people: systematic random sampling uses a random start and then selects every nth person from a complete list, aiming for a more structured, less biased sample. Stratified sampling involves splitting the population into subgroups (strata) and sampling within each to ensure representation of key subgroups. Purposive sampling selects individuals because they have specific characteristics relevant to the research question, not simply because they’re easy to reach.

The main idea here is choosing participants based on how easy they are to reach. This sampling method relies on readily available people—like employees, friends, or relatives—so data can be collected quickly and with minimal effort. Because selection is driven by convenience rather than a plan to represent the bigger group, it’s a non-probability approach. The trade-off is that the results may be biased and not generalizable to the wider population, since those easily accessible may share characteristics that differ from others.

Other methods differ in how they pick people: systematic random sampling uses a random start and then selects every nth person from a complete list, aiming for a more structured, less biased sample. Stratified sampling involves splitting the population into subgroups (strata) and sampling within each to ensure representation of key subgroups. Purposive sampling selects individuals because they have specific characteristics relevant to the research question, not simply because they’re easy to reach.