Question

This question is about evidence-based practice research in Nursing. The most common sampling method is the convenience sample; therefore, many of the studies that you find for evidence use this sampling method. What are the implications of using a convenience sample on the way that you interpret and use the findings?

Answer 1

• Convenience samples do not produce representative results. If you need to extrapolate to the target population, convenience samples aren’t going to get you there.
• The natural tendency is to extrapolate from convenience samples. The tendency when using convenience samples is to treat the results as representative, even though they are not. Many people do not understand the theoretical underpinnings of probability sampling and treat any survey results as accurate representations of the target audience. While mainstream media outlets often will not publicize the results of surveys that used convenience samples, small media organizations often will, without describing the methodology as a convenience sample.
• The results of convenience samples are hard to replicate. If you analyze the results of a convenience survey by list source, you will often find dramatic differences in the answers from the different lists, often in ways that confound easy explanation.