What is Quota Sampling? Definition, Types & Examples

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Among different methods of sampling, quota sampling is also one method. If you are here reading this post, chances are that you have chosen this particular sampling method and want to know more about it. Well, you have come to the right place. In today’s post, we will explore this sampling method in detail. There will be a mention of its definition, types, and examples. The importance of quota sampling is also going to be a part of today’s discussion. Hence, let’s get started and define it first.

What Is The Quota Sampling Method In Research?

This particular sampling method is a type of non-probability sampling. It includes selecting a sample from a particular population. The researchers choose these samples due to their specific qualities and traits. Sometimes, the researchers do this sampling just to include the underrepresented groups of the population in the research study. The number of participants or the quota that the researcher wants to select entirely depends on his will. It is important to note that the results obtained from quota samples can be generalised to the whole population.

Coming toward the importance of quota sampling, this sampling method is important because it is faster and takes less time to study the research participants. Unlike all other types of sampling methods, it does not require a strict framework. Hence, it is easier to carry out than other types of sampling.

What is an example of quota sampling?

Let’s suppose, as a researcher, you want to examine the career goals of 10,000 students enrolled in different universities in the UK. As you cannot study each individual and student, the technique of quota sampling can be helpful. So, to do this research, you divide the whole population of students into three categories: freshers, juniors, and seniors. Seniors being more mature about their fields get more quota of samples. So, in a sample of 1000 students, you must consider 200 freshers, 350 juniors, and 450 seniors. These numbers show the quota of different categories of students in the research study.

Hence, this is an example of quota sampling. Contact dissertation writing services if you still do not understand this sampling method. They can provide you with more examples.

What are the different types of quota sampling?

After reading the information above, you now have got a good idea of quota sampling, its importance, and example. However, this information is not enough unless you know its types and how it works. Based on how you do the sampling, this sampling method is divided into two types. Hence, a brief description of each type is as follows:

1. Controlled quota sampling

The first type of this sampling method is controlled quota sampling. The word “controlled” defines this type very well. This sampling type imposes some restrictions on the researcher’s choice of research participants. The researcher himself cannot include or exclude samples from the population being studied. The inclusion and exclusion of the samples are governed by several factors, e.g., characteristics of the sample.

2. Uncontrolled quota sampling

This type of quota sampling is exactly the opposite of controlled sampling. In this type of sampling, the researcher is free to choose any sample for his research study and does not have any restrictions on the way. Here, the researcher can choose samples of his own will. It does not matter whom he selects and from where he selects. All that matters is the willingness of the researcher, and that is it.

How to perform the quota sampling?

Probability sampling techniques involve a set of rules and procedures to follow when performing the sampling. As this sampling is a type of non-probability sampling, there are not many rules to follow. However, a few guidelines for collecting good samples are as follows:

  1. As a first step, divide the whole population into groups and subgroups. It is necessary to make the selection process easy.
  2. The next step is to figure out the weightage of subgroups or the quota of subgroups in the population. It could be 20%, 30% or any number.
  3. Once you have figured out the weightage of subgroups, select the participants depending on the type of quota sampling. Only select the respondents who are related to the study and have the qualities you are trying to study.
  4. Lastly, conduct the surveys on the quotas of participants and collect the required data. Do not exceed the promised quota to get more results. Just stick to the original plan and move forward with your research.

Conclusion

Conclusively, quota sampling is a type of non-probability sampling which involves the selection of participants who represent a particular population. There are two types of this sampling method, i.e., controlled and uncontrolled. The steps for performing this sampling method are aslo mentioned above. So, this article is a total guide for students who want to study research participants using this sampling technique.

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