Convenience Sampling in Healthcare Research Discussion Replies

Write peers responses:

Student #1

• Yes, there is sufficient description of the sample in the given text. The convenience sampling and quota sampling nonprobability sampling techniques are clearly explained in the book, and examples of their use in research are included to help readers understand them better. To assist readers understand how these methods are employed in research, it provides relevant examples, describes the nature of each sampling technique, and weighs its benefits and drawbacks. Important things to keep in mind when putting any strategy into practice are recruitment tactics and inclusion criteria. For the purpose of creating reliable research studies in the healthcare industry, researchers and students studying nursing should find this information quite valuable as it clarifies the advantages and disadvantages of various sampling procedures.
• The sampling strategy used in the study discussed in the text is quota sampling. In quota sampling, subjects who meet the inclusion criteria are recruited and consecutively enrolled until the target sample size is reached. The sampling unit in this study is individuals who met the eligibility criteria for the research. The sample size is determined based on a power analysis, which indicated that 98 participants were needed to detect a treatment effect, and study packets were mailed to 250 eligible individuals.

One advantage of quota sampling is that it ensures a more balanced and diversified sample by allowing for the proportionate representation of various strata within the population. Disadvantages include the possibility of a drawn-out hiring procedure and selection bias due to the difficulty in locating and hiring candidates who fit the requirements for each stratum.

• The concepts of validity and reliability are essential to guaranteeing the accuracy and credibility of the research in question. Reliability guarantees that measurements stay constant and stable during the course of the research, resulting in reliable results. By guaranteeing that measurements faithfully capture the concepts of interest, validity improves the veracity of the information gathered. These two tenets are critical because they enhance the validity of the research findings and increase their relevance to healthcare decision-making. Valid and trustworthy data support evidence-based healthcare practices and policy, highlighting the significance of these concepts in healthcare research.
• @
  @
  @
  @
  @
  @

  ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Student #2

In this study the sample is adequately described. The researchers used 236 participants (54.2% being Male) to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured and individualized education program for type 2 diabetes. This was determined based off a form of convenience sampling. The researchers using a randomized control trial had two separate groups, one being intervention and another being the control. Using patients with type 2 diabetes as a convenience sample in this study insists they are convenient to reach, rather than being selected through a random or systematic method. Convenience sampling is typically the least rigorous and least representative form of sampling, and makes it much easier for researchers to find their specific populations in a time convenient fashion.Convenience sampling offers both advantages and disadvantages in the realm of research methodologies. On the positive side, it provides a quick and cost-effective means of data collection, making it suitable for studies with limited resources or when time is a critical factor. Researchers may find convenience sampling appealing when they have easy access to a specific group of individuals such as healthcare facilities. This sampling method is particularly useful for preliminary, exploratory research, allowing researchers to generate initial insights and hypotheses. Convenience sampling does have its significant drawbacks, the most prominent being its lack of representativeness. The sample is not randomly chosen, leading to issues of selection bias. Findings from convenience samples lack external validity, limiting their generalizability to the broader population. Additionally, it is challenging to estimate sampling error, making it unsuitable for causal inference. Researchers should be cautious when using convenience sampling and remain aware of its limitations, particularly when aiming to draw far-reaching conclusions or establish relationships based on the collected data. With all methods of research there will be drawbacks, but creating a reliable study with validity is crucial in relation to outcomes.Validity ensures that the study accurately measures what it aims to study, making the findings trustworthy and credible. This is important because it ensures that the education provided to patients effectively addresses their needs. Reliability is also key as it ensures that the study’s results are consistent and reproducible, reducing errors and making it easier to detect the true impact of the educational interventions.