What is the result of convenience sampling in research?

Convenience sampling results in data that is likely to be biased and unrepresentative because it involves selecting participants based on their availability or ease of access rather than using a randomized approach. This method often leads to a sample that does not accurately reflect the characteristics of the entire population due to various factors such as location, demographics, or specific attributes of the sampled individuals. As a result, the findings from a convenience sample may not be applicable to the broader population, making generalizations from this type of data problematic.

In contrast, methods like randomized sampling provide a more systematic approach that helps ensure a better representation of the population. When participants are selected at random, it minimizes biases and increases the likelihood that the sample reflects the diversity of the entire group. Thus, convenience sampling, by its nature, often compromises the validity and reliability of the research findings.