Why are convenience samples used so frequently in nursing research, when a random sample would allow for greater generalizability? (Select all that apply.)
a. Convenience sampling allows researchers to select not only subsets but qualities associated with them.
b. Key informants are desired.
c. Random sampling is really not an issue, since little nursing research is replicated.
d. Subjects are difficult to recruit when they are ill.
e. Nurses are limited to the populations they serve; many populations are small and difficult to access.
ANS: D, E
Thus, nonprobability sampling methods increase the likelihood of obtaining samples that are not representative of their target populations. However, the majority of nursing studies use nonprobability sampling, especially convenience sampling, to select study samples. In conducting studies in nursing and other health disciplines, there are limited subjects available and often a random sample is not possible to obtain. Researchers often include any subjects willing to participate who meet the eligibility criteria.
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