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Convenience sampling

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TL;DR. Selecting data based on ease of access rather than rigorous methodology, suitable for quick initial tests but not final analysis.

Technical Definition

Selecting data based on ease of access rather than rigorous methodology, suitable for quick initial tests but not final analysis.

How it works

Convenience sampling is a data collection method where samples are chosen solely based on their easy availability and accessibility. While useful for rapid prototyping or preliminary investigations, this method is not statistically sound and can introduce significant biases. For reliable results, it is crucial to transition to data gathered through scientifically designed sampling techniques.

Related Concepts

  • Dataset — An organized collection of examples used to train, validate, or test a model.

Further Reading

  • Google ML Glossary