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A research study based on data from the National Survey of Retail Community Pharmacies demonstrates the fallacy of using a geographically limited sample frame to draw conclusions about a large target population, even if it is homogeneous. The kinds of questions respondents are asked provide a better measure of sample frame error than the target population's homogeneity.

Survey results of a nationwide sample frame did not differ from those of a statewide sample frame with respect to questions that were professional/procedural in nature or that dealt with putative industry knowledge. However, on questions that were attitudinal in nature, the sample frames differed significantly. Because of this, the authors conclude that using a geographically narrow convenience sample may or may not result in frame error, depending on the information being sought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]