What sampling method is characterized by being neither random nor systematic, and relies on chance or availability?

Convenience sampling is characterized by its reliance on the availability of subjects and the ease with which they can be accessed, rather than following a structured or randomized approach. This method takes advantage of situations where researchers can quickly and easily obtain participants, such as surveying people in a location where they happen to gather or selecting individuals who are readily available.

Unlike random sampling, where each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected, convenience sampling does not ensure any randomness. It is often used in exploratory research phases or when time and resources are limited, but because it does not account for a representative sample, the results may be biased and not generalizable to the larger population. This technique can lead to overrepresentation or underrepresentation of certain groups, making it important for researchers to be aware of the potential limitations of their findings when using this sampling method.

The other methods listed, such as random sampling, stratified sampling, and systematic sampling, are designed to introduce elements of randomness or structure, which fundamentally differentiates them from convenience sampling.