What sampling method involves selecting participants based on their availability?

Convenience sampling is a method where participants are chosen based on their easy accessibility and availability. This approach allows researchers to gather data quickly and efficiently, often in situations where time or resources are limited. The core characteristic of convenience sampling is that it prioritizes ease of recruitment over randomness or representativeness.

In contrast, other sampling methods typically aim for more structured approaches to enhance the reliability of results. For instance, random sampling involves selecting participants in such a way that every member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen, thus minimizing bias. Systematic sampling selects participants based on a set interval or system, ensuring a structured and regularly spaced sample. Stratified sampling divides the population into subgroups and then samples from each group to ensure representation across key demographic characteristics. These methods strive to create a sample that better reflects the overall population, unlike convenience sampling, which may not adequately represent the broader group.