Final answer:
Internet-based studies frequently use a (a) convenience sample, which chooses participants due to their easy access and the method's efficiency in terms of time and cost.
Step-by-step explanation:
Studies conducted on the Internet typically use a convenience sample. Convenience sampling is a non-probability sampling method where subjects are selected because of their convenient accessibility and proximity to the researcher.
They may not represent the entire population well, but this method is used when speed and cost are priorities. For example, a study may involve participants who voluntarily complete an online survey after seeing a recruitment post on social media - an approach that relies on the availability and willingness of individuals to respond.
Examples of other sampling methods include:
- Cluster sampling: Where a population is divided into groups, or clusters, and a random sample of these clusters is taken.
- Stratified sampling: Where the population is divided into subgroups based on a characteristic, and samples are taken from each subgroup.
- Simple random sampling: Where every individual has an equal chance of being selected.