convenience sampling

any process for selecting a sample of individuals or cases that is neither random nor systematic but rather is governed by chance or ready availability. Interviewing the first 50 people to exit a store is an example of convenience sampling. Data obtained from convenience sampling do not generalize to the larger population; there may be significant sampling bias, and sampling error cannot be estimated. Also called accidental sampling; opportunity sampling.

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Psychology term of the day

May 10th 2024

motor program

a stored representation, resulting from motor planning and refined through practice, that is used to produce a coordinated movement. Motor programs store the accumulated experience underlying skill at a task. See also generalized motor program.