What is the main characteristic of convenience sampling?

Convenience sampling is characterized by selecting individuals who are easily accessible or located, making it a practical approach for researchers who may be limited by time, resources, or logistical constraints. This method allows for quicker data collection as researchers can readily find participants within their immediate environment or social circles.

Convenience sampling does not prioritize randomness or representativeness, which can lead to potential biases in the data. The focus on easily reachable individuals means that the sample may not reflect the broader population accurately, which is a limitation researchers need to consider when interpreting results. The other characteristics mentioned in different choices are not applicable to convenience sampling, emphasizing its unique characteristic of accessibility over systematic or random approaches.