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Discussion Thread: Getting a Valid Sample in an Educational Setting
As explained by Check and Schutt (2012), convenience sampling, otherwise known as
availability sampling, relies on elements that are easy to find or available. Therefore, this form of
sampling is favorable for self-selection bias, given that the researchers choose samples based on
how easy or convenient it is to find them. This means that the samples selected in convenience
sampling are not selected based on equal probability, and this lowers the chance of a statistically
balanced sample. Morrison et al. (2015) argue that convenience sampling allows self-selection
bias, given that the researchers are more likely to choose samples based on their preferred
physical location, social network, or outcome. Additionally, the selected samples in convenience
sampling do not reflect the true aspects of the target population due to the researcher's personal
influence on the selected samples or a study. Put otherwise, the bias trait in convenient sampling
is that researchers choose samples subjectively based on their interests.
Because of the self-selection bias in convenience sampling, it is crucial that researchers
employ approaches that play a role in reducing bias as randomization. According to Joyal-
Desmarais et al. (2022), randomization plays a significant role in the elimination of self-selection
bias, given that this approach prevents the selection of samples or self-inclusion in samples that
fit the researcher's interested outcomes. From a more complex point of view, statistical matching
techniques, propensity, and calibration can be utilized by researchers to adjust the effects of
selection bias among selected samples (Rueda et al., 2022). Rueda et al. (2022) also argue that
propensity score adjustment (PSA) is an effective method for reducing self-selection bias in
convenience sampling. In other words, self-selection bias can either be addressed through
prevention or by applying methods that mitigate the impacts of self-selection bias in sampling.
From a Biblical point of view, Christians should not be biased to serve one's interests.
This is based on the fact that the Bible encourages individuals to pursue actions that serve others
too. The Bible states, "Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people,
especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Galatians 6:10). In the context of convenience sampling, self-selection bias often occurs because
of a researcher's interest in terms of preferred outcomes. This means that self-selection bias is
influenced by personal interests. Based on the scripture, this is wrongful. Therefore, researchers
should utilize various approaches that would play a crucial role in eliminating self-selection bias
or minimizing the impacts of self-selection bias.
References
Check, J., & Schutt, R. (2012). Science, schooling and educational research. (Vols. 1-0).
SAGE Publications, Inc., https://doi.org/10.4135/9781544307725
Joyal-Desmarais, K., Stojanovic, J., Kennedy, E. B., Enticott, J. C., Boucher, V. G., Vo,
H., ... & Bacon, S. L. (2022). How well do covariates perform when adjusting for
sampling bias in online COVID-19 research? Insights from multiverse analyses.
European Journal of Epidemiology, 1-18.
Morrison, C., Lee, J. P., Gruenewald, P. J., & Marzell, M. (2015). A critical assessment
of bias in survey studies using location-based sampling to recruit patrons in bars.
Substance use & misuse, 50(11), 1427-1436.
https://doi.org/10.3109/10826084.2015.1018540
Discussion Thread: Getting a Valid Sample in an Educational Setting
As explained by Check and Schutt (2012), convenience sampling, otherwise known as
availability sampling, relies on elements that are easy to find or available. Therefore, this form of
sampling is favorable for self-selection bias, given that the researchers choose samples based on
how easy or convenient it is to find them. This means that the samples selected in convenience
sampling are not selected based on equal probability, and this lowers the chance of a statistically
balanced sample. Morrison et al. (2015) argue that convenience sampling allows self-selection
bias, given that the researchers are more likely to choose samples based on their preferred
physical location, social network, or outcome. Additionally, the selected samples in convenience
sampling do not reflect the true aspects of the target population due to the researcher's personal
influence on the selected samples or a study. Put otherwise, the bias trait in convenient sampling
is that researchers choose samples subjectively based on their interests.
Because of the self-selection bias in convenience sampling, it is crucial that researchers
employ approaches that play a role in reducing bias as randomization. According to Joyal-
Desmarais et al. (2022), randomization plays a significant role in the elimination of self-selection
bias, given that this approach prevents the selection of samples or self-inclusion in samples that
fit the researcher's interested outcomes. From a more complex point of view, statistical matching
techniques, propensity, and calibration can be utilized by researchers to adjust the effects of
selection bias among selected samples (Rueda et al., 2022). Rueda et al. (2022) also argue that
propensity score adjustment (PSA) is an effective method for reducing self-selection bias in
convenience sampling. In other words, self-selection bias can either be addressed through
prevention or by applying methods that mitigate the impacts of self-selection bias in sampling.
From a Biblical point of view, Christians should not be biased to serve one's interests.
This is based on the fact that the Bible encourages individuals to pursue actions that serve others
too. The Bible states, "Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people,
especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Galatians 6:10). In the context of convenience sampling, self-selection bias often occurs because
of a researcher's interest in terms of preferred outcomes. This means that self-selection bias is
influenced by personal interests. Based on the scripture, this is wrongful. Therefore, researchers
should utilize various approaches that would play a crucial role in eliminating self-selection bias
or minimizing the impacts of self-selection bias.
References
Check, J., & Schutt, R. (2012). Science, schooling and educational research. (Vols. 1-0).
SAGE Publications, Inc., https://doi.org/10.4135/9781544307725
Joyal-Desmarais, K., Stojanovic, J., Kennedy, E. B., Enticott, J. C., Boucher, V. G., Vo,
H., ... & Bacon, S. L. (2022). How well do covariates perform when adjusting for
sampling bias in online COVID-19 research? Insights from multiverse analyses.
European Journal of Epidemiology, 1-18.
Morrison, C., Lee, J. P., Gruenewald, P. J., & Marzell, M. (2015). A critical assessment
of bias in survey studies using location-based sampling to recruit patrons in bars.
Substance use & misuse, 50(11), 1427-1436.
https://doi.org/10.3109/10826084.2015.1018540
