A method of gathering research participants that involves selecting individuals who are easily accessible to the researcher is a common practice in psychological studies. This approach often utilizes participants who are readily available, such as students enrolled in introductory psychology courses or individuals in close proximity to the researcher’s location. For example, a researcher studying the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance might recruit participants from a nearby university dormitory, due to their easy availability. This non-probability sampling technique prioritizes ease and speed of data collection.
The appeal of this method lies in its practicality and cost-effectiveness. It allows researchers to quickly gather data and conduct preliminary studies. However, the generalizability of findings obtained through this method is often limited due to the potential for selection bias. The sample may not be representative of the larger population, potentially skewing the results and limiting the applicability of the study’s conclusions to broader contexts. Historically, its use has been debated within the field due to the trade-off between efficiency and representativeness.
