Which sampling method is generally considered the weakest?

A. cluster sampling

B. stratified sampling

C. convenience sampling

D. random sampling

Answer - C. (Convenience sampling)

The sampling method that is generally considered the weakest is convenience sampling. This is because in convenience sampling, there is usually no inclusion criteria identified prior to the selection of subjects. Convenience sampling involves getting participants wherever you can conveniently find them. Typically, the first available participants (or any other primary data source, as the case may be) will be used for the research without any additional requirements. Other names by which convenience sampling is known are: Incidental Sampling, Chunk Sampling, and Accidental Sampling.