Which of the following is a characteristic of convenience sampling?

Convenience sampling is defined by its method of selecting participants based primarily on their availability and ease of access to the researcher. This characteristic makes it a practical choice in various research scenarios, especially when time or resources are limited. By selecting individuals who are easiest to reach, such as those who are readily available in a specific location or within a certain group, researchers can quickly gather data without the complexities associated with more rigorous sampling methods.

The nature of convenience sampling means it does not require a random distribution of participants, does not ensure representation of all strata within the population, and does not guarantee equal representation across various demographics. Instead, its focus on ease of access can lead to sampling bias, as it may not adequately represent the diversity of the population being studied. This aspect is crucial for students to understand, as it highlights both the practical utility and potential limitations of using convenience sampling in research.