Mukavuusnäytteenotolla

Mukavuusnäytteenotolla, which translates from Finnish as "comfort sampling" or "convenience sampling," is a non-probability sampling technique used in research. It involves selecting participants who are readily available and easily accessible to the researcher. This method prioritizes ease of access and cost-effectiveness over rigorous statistical representativeness.

Researchers often employ mukavuusnäytteenotolla when time or resources are limited. It can be particularly useful for exploratory studies, pilot testing, or when the primary goal is to gather initial insights or generate hypotheses. For example, a student researcher might survey their classmates or colleagues because they are readily available, or a researcher might interview people at a public park they are visiting.

The main advantage of mukavuusnäytteenotolla is its simplicity and speed. It requires less planning and effort compared to probability sampling methods like random sampling. However, its significant drawback is the lack of generalizability. The sample selected is unlikely to accurately reflect the entire population of interest, introducing potential selection bias. This means that findings derived from convenience samples should be interpreted with caution, as they may not be applicable to a broader group. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for studies aiming to make definitive claims about a population.