I am doing a study on electrical supply in NZ. I have many contacts but not everyone took part so I can only use those who say yes to taking part. I am struggling to name this approach to data collection to put in my methodology chapter. Please can someone help me? in other words, I could only use what I could get.
Thank you - I know someone will have come across this as well.
The approach to data collection that you are describing is called convenience sampling. This involves selecting participants who are easily accessible or available, rather than using a random or representative sample. It is important to note the limitations of convenience sampling in terms of generalizability and potential biases, and to indicate why this approach was necessary in your study.
Sounds like a 'census' whereby you targeted a small population within a given 'space' and 'timeframe'. Those only that responded within those parameters becomes the census.
If you had clear criteria for who was eligible to be included in your study, then that goes beyond convenience sampling, and could be more generally summarized as purposive sampling.
The issue of limited participation is a question of "access," which you could discuss under that heading.
- Badges
- Science method
- Similar topics
- Methodology