What is a notable weakness of an opportunity sample?

What is a notable weakness of an opportunity sample?

• A. It can be easily replicated
• B. It is unlikely to be representative
• C. It allows for greater control over variables
• D. It ensures a wide variety of participants

Answer: (B)

An opportunity sample often relies on the availability of participants who are easy to reach or accessible to the researcher, which can result in a lack of diversity within the sample. This means that the characteristics of the sample may not accurately reflect the larger population, leading to concerns about generalizability. The individuals sampled are typically those who are nearby or readily available, which might skew the results if certain groups are overrepresented or underrepresented. In contrast, replication is generally easier with opportunity samples due to their straightforward nature. There is less control over variables since the sample is not systematically chosen, and the chance of incorporating a wide variety of participants diminishes due to the random nature of who is available at the time of sampling. Thus, while opportunity samples offer convenience, they do pose significant challenges in providing a representative snapshot of the broader population.

An opportunity sample often relies on the availability of participants who are easy to reach or accessible to the researcher, which can result in a lack of diversity within the sample. This means that the characteristics of the sample may not accurately reflect the larger population, leading to concerns about generalizability. The individuals sampled are typically those who are nearby or readily available, which might skew the results if certain groups are overrepresented or underrepresented.

In contrast, replication is generally easier with opportunity samples due to their straightforward nature. There is less control over variables since the sample is not systematically chosen, and the chance of incorporating a wide variety of participants diminishes due to the random nature of who is available at the time of sampling. Thus, while opportunity samples offer convenience, they do pose significant challenges in providing a representative snapshot of the broader population.