Which sampling method takes the first case encountered and uses it in the sample?

Which sampling method takes the first case encountered and uses it in the sample?

• A. Accidental Sampling
• B. Purposive Sample
• C. Quota Sample
• D. Non-Probability Sampling

Answer: (A)

This question is about convenience sampling, also called accidental sampling. The hallmark is using participants who are easiest to access and, specifically, taking the very first case encountered and including it in the sample. There’s no random selection or predefined criteria guiding who ends up in the group, which makes the process quick and inexpensive but introduces bias and limits how well the findings generalize to a larger population. Purposive sampling, by contrast, selects cases based on specific characteristics or a purpose, not just who happens to be first. Quota sampling aims to fill predefined proportions or quotas to resemble the population, rather than starting with the first case seen. Non-probability sampling is a broad category that includes methods lacking random selection, but the situation described matches the convenience/accidental approach most directly.

This question is about convenience sampling, also called accidental sampling. The hallmark is using participants who are easiest to access and, specifically, taking the very first case encountered and including it in the sample. There’s no random selection or predefined criteria guiding who ends up in the group, which makes the process quick and inexpensive but introduces bias and limits how well the findings generalize to a larger population.

Purposive sampling, by contrast, selects cases based on specific characteristics or a purpose, not just who happens to be first. Quota sampling aims to fill predefined proportions or quotas to resemble the population, rather than starting with the first case seen. Non-probability sampling is a broad category that includes methods lacking random selection, but the situation described matches the convenience/accidental approach most directly.