Accidental Sampling
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A Accidental Sampling is a non-probability sampling where the sample units are only selected because they are convenient, close at hand, or easy to reach.
- AKA: Grab, Convenience Sampling, Opportunity Sampling, Haphazard Sampling.
- See: Sampling, Non-probability Sampling, Pilot Experiment.
References
2015
- (Wikipedia, 2016) ⇒ https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Accidental_sampling Retrieved 2016-07-24
- Accidental sampling (sometimes known as grab, convenience sampling or opportunity sampling) is a type of non-probability sampling that involves the sample being drawn from that part of the population that is close to hand. That is, a sample population selected because it is readily available and convenient, as researchers are drawing on relationships or networks to which they have easy access. The researcher using such a sample cannot scientifically make generalizations about the total population from this sample because it would not be representative enough. For example, if the interviewer was to conduct such a survey at a shopping center early in the morning on a given day, the people that he/she could interview would be limited to those given there at that given time, which would not represent the views of other members of society in such an area, if the survey was to be conducted at different times of day and several times per week. This type of sampling is most useful for pilot testing. Credibility of a researcher's results by convenience sampling will depend on convincing the reader that the sample chosen equates to a large degree of the population from which they are drawn.
- (Statistics Canada, 2016) ⇒ http://www.statcan.gc.ca/edu/power-pouvoir/ch13/nonprob/5214898-eng.htm Retrieved 2016-07-24
- Convenience sampling is sometimes referred to as haphazard or accidental sampling. It is not normally representative of the target population because sample units are only selected if they can be accessed easily and conveniently.
There are times when the average person uses convenience sampling. A food critic, for example, may try several appetizers or entrees to judge the quality and variety of a menu. And television reporters often seek so-called ‘people-on-the-street interviews' to find out how people view an issue. In both these examples, the sample is chosen randomly, without use of a specific survey method.
- Convenience sampling is sometimes referred to as haphazard or accidental sampling. It is not normally representative of the target population because sample units are only selected if they can be accessed easily and conveniently.