Advantages:
1. Simple and easy: random sampling does not need complicated statistical techniques or a lot of time. Researchers only need to choose people or things that they can easily contact as samples.
2. Save resources: Compared with other sampling methods, arbitrary sampling usually requires less resources. For example, it does not need to use a computer to generate random numbers, nor does it need to spend a lot of time on sample selection.
3. Suitable for small sample research: For small research projects, random sampling may be the most suitable method. Because in this case, researchers may not have enough time and resources to conduct more complex sampling.
4. Rich information can be obtained: Because random sampling allows researchers to select the most interesting samples, this method may produce richer and deeper information.
Disadvantages:
1. poor representativeness: one of the main problems of random sampling is that it may lead to sample deviation. If researchers only select the samples they are interested in, the results may not be representative of the whole group.
2. Lack of repeatability and verifiability: Because random sampling is not random, other researchers may not be able to copy or verify the research results.
3. There may be bias: If the researchers are biased in selecting samples, the results may be affected. For example, if researchers only choose samples that meet their expectations, they may ignore results that do not meet their expectations.
4. Unable to guarantee the sample size: Arbitrary sampling cannot guarantee the sample size, which may lead to the uncertainty of the research results.