It is not unusual for researchers to use a convenience sample for their study. C

Question

It is not unusual for researchers to use a convenience sample for their study. Consider a study in which the researcher would like to determine how parents working with their children on homework influence the child's school grades. The researcher may consider recruiting friends and relatives to participate in your study because it will be easier to obtain their permission for data collection. What might be some of the limitations of this sampling approach? What are some potential ethical implications to using a convenience sample?

Explanation / Answer

Convenience sampling is a type of sampling where the first available primary data source will be used for the research without additional requirements. Researchers use convenience sampling not just because it is easy to use, but also because it allows the researcher to obtain basic data and trends regarding his study without the complications of using a randomized sample.

Limitations of using a convenience sample for sampling approach

1. The sample is highly vulnerable to selection bias and influences beyond the control of the researcher

2. It is likely for the research to result in inaccurate conclusions due to high level of sampling error

3. Low credibility and reliability of the study due to such sampling

Potetial Ethical Implications to using a Convenience Sample

Management and organization scholars use convenience samples in qualitative research, and there are potential ethical implications to this approach. Important ethical issues include voluntary participation and informed consent, anonymity and confidentiality, and accountability in terms of the accuracy of analysis and reporting.
1. Anonymity and confidentiality is difficult to achieve when researching friends
2. Not possible to maintain highest level of objectivity throughout the research
3. Subjects may not be willing to participate in a study but agreeing only because the researcher is known to them, this leads to an inaccurate and unethical research.

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