I am in a kind of dilemma between picking stratified sampling and convenience sampling techniques for my purely quantitative research. I am fully aware of convenience sampling being a non-probability sampling technique but is there a room I can use convenience sampling?
To a large degree, the threats differ depending upon how the samples are taken within the strata. If you use convenience samples within each strata, there is little difference between the two methods other than the opportunity to compare the results across the strata. However, even that is questionable when the samples within the strata are not random as any differences could be attributed to sampling error. However, if the samples within the strata are randomly sampled, there is a major difference that being between an experiment and a descriptive study.
Stratified sampling is also a short of convenience sampling. But it is frequently used and widely accepted by the researchers. However, flat convenience sampling may attract researcher bias which may worsely affect the reliability of test/results. However, if the sample increase, it will reduce the error. One, another point to be taken into consideration is that how realible and vaid measures/tool/questionnaire is being used. Further, if you're able to justify that the method used in Research is selected from available best option, may be of satisfaction. There are cases where not much data can be
gathered due to various factors beyond the control of researchers in those cases it is the only option. It is in context with social science research and these input may not be useful for physical science research.
Hello Yousif Gilo
I tend to agree with Shashi Kant Singh Kindly check your target population and confirm if they can be strata, then use the stratified; you can also use Stratified Random Sampling Techniques to cover up in case of any bias or use Stratified Propotionate sampling techniques as the choice may be. Above all consider the outcome of the research as to what you intend to have as possible feedback from the respondents if would be met from the option you finally chose and ensure to justify why the choice of the technique.
Best,
PGM
Seems to me that any potential validity and reliability threats from convenience sampling will depend on how closely convenience samples are allied to the purpose of your project.
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