American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What is the primary concern of using convenience sampling in research?

1. It is cost-effective

2. It may not represent the entire population

3. It ensures random selection

4. It leads to larger sample sizes

The correct answer is: It may not represent the entire population

The primary concern of using convenience sampling in research is that it may not represent the entire population. This method involves selecting samples from a population based on ease of access and availability rather than random selection. Because of this non-random approach, the sample may be biased or skewed, meaning that it might not capture the diversity and characteristics of the whole population. This limitation can lead to inaccurate conclusions and affect the validity of the research findings. While convenience sampling can be cost-effective, it does not ensure a thorough representation of the population, which poses a significant risk to the quality of the data collected. Additionally, it does not inherently lead to larger sample sizes, nor does it guarantee random selection, further emphasizing the concern regarding representativeness. These factors highlight the importance of choosing appropriate sampling methods that align with research objectives and ensure that findings can be generalized to the broader population.