Here are the merits of the three non-probability sampling methods:
1. Quota Sampling
Quota sampling is a non-probability sampling method where participants are
selected based on specific characteristics or criteria, such as age, sex,
income, or occupation. The researcher sets quotas for each characteristic,
ensuring that the sample is representative of the population.
*Merits of Quota Sampling:*
1. *Representativeness*: Quota sampling ensures that the sample is
representative of the population, as participants are selected based on
specific characteristics or criteria.
2. *Cost-effective*: Quota sampling is often less expensive than probability
sampling methods, as it eliminates the need for random selection and
sampling frames.
3. *Time-saving*: Quota sampling allows researchers to quickly collect data
from a specific group or population.
4. *Flexibility*: Quota sampling enables researchers to adjust their sampling
strategy as needed, based on the responses received and the characteristics
of the participants.
5. *Easy data collection*: Quota sampling simplifies the data collection
process, as researchers can focus on collecting data from a specific group or
population.
2. Convenience or Accidental Sampling
Convenience sampling, also known as accidental sampling, involves
selecting participants based on ease of access or convenience. This method
is often used in exploratory research or when time and resources are limited.
*Merits of Convenience Sampling:*
1. *Easy access to participants*: Convenience sampling allows researchers to
quickly and easily access participants, reducing the time and effort required
for data collection.
2. *Low cost*: Convenience sampling is often less expensive than other
sampling methods, as researchers can collect data from readily available
participants.
3. *Flexibility*: Convenience sampling enables researchers to adjust their
sampling strategy as needed, based on the responses received and the
characteristics of the participants.
4. *Suitable for exploratory research*: Convenience sampling is often used in
exploratory research, where the goal is to gain a preliminary understanding
of a phenomenon or population.
5. *Quick results*: Convenience sampling allows researchers to quickly
collect and analyze data, providing rapid insights into the research question.
3. Judgemental Sampling
Judgemental sampling, also known as purposive sampling, involves selecting
participants based on the researcher's judgement or expertise. This method
is often used when the researcher needs to select participants with specific
characteristics or expertise.
*Merits of Judgemental Sampling:*
1. *Expertise*: Judgemental sampling allows researchers to select
participants with specific expertise or characteristics, ensuring that the data
collected is relevant and accurate.
2. *Relevance*: Judgemental sampling ensures that the participants selected
are relevant to the research question, reducing the risk of collecting
irrelevant data.
3. *Efficient use of resources*: Judgemental sampling enables researchers to
focus their resources on collecting data from the most relevant and
informative participants.
4. *Suitable for qualitative research*: Judgemental sampling is often used in
qualitative research, where the goal is to gain in-depth insights into a
phenomenon or population.
5. *Flexibility*: Judgemental sampling enables researchers to adjust their
sampling strategy as needed, based on the responses received and the
characteristics of the participants.
In summary, each of these non-probability sampling methods has its own
merits and can be useful in specific research contexts. Quota sampling is
useful for ensuring representativeness, convenience sampling is useful for
exploratory research, and judgemental sampling is useful for selecting
participants with specific expertise or characteristics.
