Which sampling method relies on an experienced individual's belief about participant suitability?

Judgment sampling is a non-probability sampling method where the researcher relies on their expertise and understanding of the population to select participants who they believe are most suitable for the study. This approach is based on the researcher's judgment about the characteristics that make certain individuals relevant to the research question.

In judgment sampling, the researcher’s experience and knowledge inform their decision-making, allowing them to target specific groups or individuals who are likely to provide the most insightful data. This method is often used when specific demographic knowledge is crucial or when the population is difficult to access and a researcher must leverage their insights to identify the right participants.

In contrast, convenience sampling focuses on selecting whoever is easiest to reach without consideration for their relevance to the research objective. Cluster sampling involves dividing the population into clusters and randomly selecting some of these clusters to sample members from, while random sampling ensures that every individual has an equal chance of being selected, which minimizes bias. However, judgment sampling specifically emphasizes the role of the researcher’s expertise to determine participant suitability, making it the most appropriate answer in this context.