The most common sampling method is the convenience sample; therefore, many of the studies that you find for evidence use this sampling method. What are the implications of using a convenience sample on the way that you interpret and use the findings? 

Convenience sampling is non-probability sampling. Participants are chosen based upon their willingness and availability to take part in the study. Because it’s easy to recruit participants, this sampling method is popular in research studies.

The interpretation and use of convenience samples can be significant. These are some potential problems to be aware of:

1. Convenience sampling has a limited generalizability. This means that results may not reflect the entire population. Participants in convenience sampling are usually not chosen using random processes. This means certain sections of the population could be either overrepresented or underrepresented. Therefore, convenience samples may not have the same results as other groups.
2. A bias in the results can be introduced by convenience sampling. A researcher might recruit people from certain locations or settings to get the best results. Similar to the previous example, findings that are biased toward a group of participants may also be affected if they recruit people with particular interests or characteristics.
3. It can be hard to determine a causal relationship among variables. Another drawback of convenience sampling: Convenience samples might not be sensitive to other influences that may affect the relationship between variables.

A convenience sample may limit validity and generalizability. Researchers should consider all possible limitations when using convenience sampling to interpret and use the results.