Which sampling technique selects respondents who are easiest to reach?

Convenience or opportunity sampling is the technique that involves selecting respondents who are easiest to reach or access for the research. This method is often used when time, resources, or availability are constraints, allowing researchers to gather data quickly. It typically involves choosing a sample based on what is readily available, which could mean selecting individuals from a nearby location or those who volunteer to participate. This approach is straightforward and cost-effective, but it can lead to bias since it does not ensure that every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected.

In contrast, systematic sampling involves selecting samples at regular intervals from a list or a population, which requires more planning and does not prioritize ease of access. Stratified sampling divides the population into distinct subgroups and then samples from each subgroup to ensure representation, thus not focusing on convenience. Random sampling, on the other hand, gives every individual in the population an equal chance of being selected, which aims to eliminate bias but often requires more effort and resources compared to convenience sampling.