• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
QuestionPro

QuestionPro

questionpro logo
  • Products
    survey software iconSurvey softwareOur flagship survey solution. Sophisticated tools to get the answers you need.research edition iconResearch SuiteTuned for researchers. Get more insights. Response based pricing.CX iconCXExperiences change the world. Deliver the best with our CX management software.WF iconWorkforceEmpower your work leaders, make informed decisions and drive employee engagement.
  • Solutions
    IndustriesGamingAutomotiveSports and eventsEducationGovernment
    Travel & HospitalityFinancial ServicesHealthcareCannabisTechnology
    Use CaseNPS+CommunitiesAudienceContactless surveysMobile
    LivePollsMember ExperienceGDPRPositive People Science360 Feedback Surveys
  • Resources
    BlogeBooksSurvey TemplatesCase StudiesTrainingHelp center
  • Features
  • Pricing
Language
  • English
  • Español (Spanish)
  • Português (Portuguese (Brazil))
  • Nederlands (Dutch)
  • العربية (Arabic)
  • Français (French)
  • Italiano (Italian)
  • 日本語 (Japanese)
  • Türkçe (Turkish)
  • Svenska (Swedish)
Call Us
+1 800 531 0228 +1 (647) 956-1242 +52 999 402 4079 +49 301 663 5782 +44 20 3650 3166 +81-3-6869-1954 +61 2 8074 5080 +971 529 852 540
Log In Log In
SIGN UP FREE

Home Audience

Quota sampling: Definition, types, examples, steps, and more

Quota sampling

What is quota sampling?

Quota sampling is defined as a non-probability sampling method in which researchers create a convenience sample involving individuals that represent a population. Researchers choose these individuals according to specific traits or qualities. They decide and create quotas so that the market research samples can be useful in collecting data. These samples can be generalized to the entire population. The final subset will be decided only according to the interviewer’s or researcher’s knowledge of the population.

For example, a cigarette company wants to find out what age group prefers what brand of cigarettes in a particular city. They apply survey quota on the age groups of 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, and 51+. From this information, the researcher gauges the smoking trend among the population of the city.

Select your respondents

Types of quota sampling:

Quota sampling can be of two kinds – controlled quota sampling and uncontrolled quota sampling. Here’s what they mean:

Controlled quota sampling:

Controlled quota sampling imposes restrictions on the researcher’s choice of samples. Here, the researcher is limited to the selection of samples.

Uncontrolled quota sampling:

Uncontrolled quota sampling does not impose any restrictions on the researcher’s choice of samples. Here, the researcher chooses sample members at will.

Quota sampling example:

Let’s look at a basic example of quota sampling:

A researcher wants to survey individuals about what smartphone brand they prefer to use. He/she considers a sample size of 500 respondents. Also, he/she is only interested in surveying ten states in the US. Here’s how the researcher can divide the population by quotas:

  • Gender: 250 males and 250 females
  • Age: 100 respondents each between the ages of 16-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, and 51+
  • Employment status: 350 employed and 150 unemployed people.
    • (Researchers apply further nested quotas . For eg, out of the 150 unemployed people, 100 must be students.)
  • Location: 50 responses per state

Depending on the type of research, the researcher can apply quotas based on the sampling frame. It is not necessary for the researcher to divide the quotas equally. He/she divides the quotas as per his/her need (as shown in the example where the researcher interviews 350 employed and only 150 unemployed individuals). Random sampling can be conducted to reach out to the respondents.

Select your respondents

How to perform quota sampling:

Probability sampling techniques involve a significant amount of rules that the researcher needs to follow to form samples. But, since quota sampling is a non-probability sampling technique, there are no rules for formally creating samples. Usually, there are four steps to form a quota sample. Here are the steps:

  1. Divide the sample population into subgroups: With stratified sampling, the researcher bifurcates the entire population into mutually exhaustive subgroups, i.e., the elements of each of the subgroups becomes a part of only one of those subgroups. Here, the researcher applies random selection.
  2. Figure out the weightage of subgroups: The researcher evaluates the proportion in which the subgroups exist in the population. He/she maintains this proportion in the sample selected using this type of sampling method.
  3. For example, if 58% of the people who are interested in purchasing your Bluetooth headphones are between the age group of 25-35 years, your subgroups also should have the same percentages of people belonging to the respective age group.
  4. Select an appropriate sample size: In the third step, the researcher should select the sample size while maintaining the proportion evaluated in the previous step. If the population size is 500, the researcher can pick a sample of 50 elements.
    The sample chosen after following the first three steps should represent the target population.
  5. Conduct surveys according to the quotas defined: Make sure to stick to the predefined quotas to achieve actual actionable results. Don’t survey quotas that are full and focus on completing surveys for each quota.

quota Sampling

Characteristics of quota sampling:

Here are the top ten characteristics of quota sampling

  1. Aims to get the best representation of respondents in the final sample.
  2. Quotas replicate the population of interest in a real sense.
  3. The estimates produced are more representative.
  4. The quality of quota samples vary.
  5. Saves research data collection time as the sample represents the population.
  6. Saves research costs if the quotas accurately represent the population.
  7. It monitors the number of types of individuals who take the survey.
  8. The researcher always divides the population into subgroups.
  9. The sample represents the entire population.
  10. Researchers use the sampling method to identify the traits of a specific group of people.

Advantages of quota sampling

Here are the top four advantages of quota sampling

  1. Saves time: Because of the involvement of a quota for sample creation, this sampling process is quick and straightforward.
  2. Research convenience: By using quota sampling and appropriate research questions, interpreting information and responses to the survey is a much convenient process for a researcher.
  3. Accurate representation of the population of interest: Researchers effectively represent a population using this sampling technique. There is no room for over-representation as this sampling technique helps researchers to study the population using specific quotas.
  4. Saves money: The budget required for executing this sampling method is minimalistic.

Select your respondents

Applications of quota sampling:

Below are the instances where quota sampling is applied and used.

  • In situations where researchers have specific criteria for conducting research, it allows the selection of subgroups, due to which it becomes extremely convenient for researchers to obtain desired results. A trait or characteristic can be the filter for subgroup formation.
  • The researcher uses this method when he/she has time constraints. Applying quotas gives the researcher an idea of the whole population of interest in very little time.
  • Quotas are applied when the researcher is on a tight budget. Instead of researching a large population, the researcher saves money by using a few quotas to get the whole picture of the population.
  • Some research studies do not require pinpoint accuracy due to the nature of the research project. It is ideal for applying to quota sampling for these studies.

Sampling with QuestionPro Audience

QuestionPro Audience maintains a vast pool of 22 million+ survey respondents around the globe. Need to apply hard quotas on your survey? Or are you looking for a specific niche set of research audience? We can assist you in completing these hard quotas and reaching the niche panelists, so you get accurate, actionable results for your next research study. Try QuestionPro Audience today for creative solutions for your business.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE:

About the author
Dan Fleetwood
View all posts by Dan Fleetwood

Primary Sidebar

Gain insights with 80+ features for free

Create, Send and Analyze Your Online Survey in under 5 mins!

Create a Free Account

RELATED ARTICLES

HubSpot - QuestionPro Integration

Time to state the obvious - surveys are essential

May 19,2020

HubSpot - QuestionPro Integration

30+ NPS benchmarks for leading industries in 2023

Jul 09,2020

HubSpot - QuestionPro Integration

The irony of humility in CX

Jun 02,2020

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

  • Academic
  • Academic Research
  • Academic Research
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Assessments
  • Audience
  • Brand Awareness
  • Brand Awareness
  • Branding
  • Business
  • Business
  • Case Studies
  • Communities
  • Consumer Insights
  • Consumer Insights
  • Customer effort score
  • Customer Engagement
  • Customer Experience
  • Customer Experience IN
  • Customer Loyalty
  • Customer Loyalty
  • Customer Research
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • CX
  • Decision Making
  • Employee Benefits
  • Employee Engagement
  • Employee Engagement
  • Employee Engagement
  • Employee Retention
  • Employee Retention
  • Employee Retention
  • Employee Retention
  • Enterprise
  • Events
  • Forms
  • Friday Five
  • General Data Protection Regulation
  • Guest Post
  • Insights Hub
  • Intercept
  • klantervaring
  • Life@QuestionPro
  • LivePolls
  • Market Research
  • Market Research
  • Marketing
  • Marketing
  • Marktonderzoek
  • medewerkersonderzoek
  • Mercadotecnia
  • Mobile
  • Mobile
  • Mobile App
  • Mobile diaries
  • Mobile Surveys
  • New Features
  • non-profit
  • NPS
  • Online Communities
  • Polls
  • Question Types
  • Questionnaire
  • QuestionPro
  • QuestionPro Products
  • QuestionPro Products
  • Release Notes
  • Research
  • Research Tools and Apps
  • Revenue at Risk
  • Startups
  • Survey Templates
  • Surveys
  • Surveys
  • Tech News
  • Tech News
  • Tips
  • Training
  • Training Tips
  • Trending
  • Uncategorized
  • Video Learning Series
  • VOC
  • Webinar
  • Webinars
  • What’s Coming Up
  • Workforce
  • Workforce
  • Workforce
  • Workforce
  • Workforce Intelligence
  • Workforce Intelligence
  • Workforce Intelligence

Footer

MORE LIKE THIS

A positive work environment improves employee morale, retention, and productivity. It helps making a workplace better for everyone.

Work Environment: What it is, Types & Elements to Create it

Mar 23, 2023

People science is an approach to market research that goes beyond traditional methods to understand the people behind the data.

People Science: What it Means for the Workforce

Mar 22, 2023

Let's learn the importance of personalization in a successful customer experience program from my recent ski trip experience.

Ski Days and CX: Defining Fun For Everyone — Tuesday CX Thoughts

Mar 21, 2023

Adaptive conjoint analysis is a market research method that adapts to each person's answers to determine which product features are liked.

Adaptive Conjoint Analysis: What is it, Types & User Cases

Mar 19, 2023

Other categories

  • Academic
  • Academic Research
  • Academic Research
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Assessments
  • Audience
  • Brand Awareness
  • Brand Awareness
  • Branding
  • Business
  • Business
  • Case Studies
  • Communities
  • Consumer Insights
  • Consumer Insights
  • Customer effort score
  • Customer Engagement
  • Customer Experience
  • Customer Experience IN
  • Customer Loyalty
  • Customer Loyalty
  • Customer Research
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • CX
  • Decision Making
  • Employee Benefits
  • Employee Engagement
  • Employee Engagement
  • Employee Engagement
  • Employee Retention
  • Employee Retention
  • Employee Retention
  • Employee Retention
  • Enterprise
  • Events
  • Forms
  • Friday Five
  • General Data Protection Regulation
  • Guest Post
  • Insights Hub
  • Intercept
  • klantervaring
  • Life@QuestionPro
  • LivePolls
  • Market Research
  • Market Research
  • Marketing
  • Marketing
  • Marktonderzoek
  • medewerkersonderzoek
  • Mercadotecnia
  • Mobile
  • Mobile
  • Mobile App
  • Mobile diaries
  • Mobile Surveys
  • New Features
  • non-profit
  • NPS
  • Online Communities
  • Polls
  • Question Types
  • Questionnaire
  • QuestionPro
  • QuestionPro Products
  • QuestionPro Products
  • Release Notes
  • Research
  • Research Tools and Apps
  • Revenue at Risk
  • Startups
  • Survey Templates
  • Surveys
  • Surveys
  • Tech News
  • Tech News
  • Tips
  • Training
  • Training Tips
  • Trending
  • Uncategorized
  • Video Learning Series
  • VOC
  • Webinar
  • Webinars
  • What’s Coming Up
  • Workforce
  • Workforce
  • Workforce
  • Workforce
  • Workforce Intelligence
  • Workforce Intelligence
  • Workforce Intelligence

questionpro-logo-nw
Help center Live Chat SIGN UP FREE
  • Sample questions
  • Sample reports
  • Survey logic
  • Branding
  • Integrations
  • Professional services
  • Security
  • Survey Software
  • Customer Experience
  • Workforce
  • Communities
  • Audience
  • Polls Explore the QuestionPro Poll Software - The World's leading Online Poll Maker & Creator. Create online polls, distribute them using email and multiple other options and start analyzing poll results.
  • Research Edition
  • LivePolls
  • InsightsHub
  • Blog
  • Articles
  • eBooks
  • Survey Templates
  • Case Studies
  • Training
  • Webinars
  • Coronavirus Resources
  • All Plans
  • Nonprofit
  • Academic
  • Qualtrics Alternative Explore the list of features that QuestionPro has compared to Qualtrics and learn how you can get more, for less.
  • SurveyMonkey Alternative
  • VisionCritical Alternative
  • Medallia Alternative
  • Likert Scale Complete Likert Scale Questions, Examples and Surveys for 5, 7 and 9 point scales. Learn everything about Likert Scale with corresponding example for each question and survey demonstrations.
  • Conjoint Analysis
  • Net Promoter Score (NPS) Learn everything about Net Promoter Score (NPS) and the Net Promoter Question. Get a clear view on the universal Net Promoter Score Formula, how to undertake Net Promoter Score Calculation followed by a simple Net Promoter Score Example.
  • Offline Surveys
  • Customer Satisfaction Surveys
  • Employee Survey Software Employee survey software & tool to create, send and analyze employee surveys. Get real-time analysis for employee satisfaction, engagement, work culture and map your employee experience from onboarding to exit!
  • Market Research Survey Software Real-time, automated and advanced market research survey software & tool to create surveys, collect data and analyze results for actionable market insights.
  • GDPR & EU Compliance
  • Employee Experience
  • Customer Journey
  • About us
  • Executive Team
  • In the news
  • Testimonials
  • Advisory Board
  • Careers
  • Brand
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us

QuestionPro in your language

  • English
  • Español (Spanish)
  • Português (Portuguese (Brazil))
  • Nederlands (Dutch)
  • العربية (Arabic)
  • Français (French)
  • Italiano (Italian)
  • 日本語 (Japanese)
  • Türkçe (Turkish)
  • Svenska (Swedish)

Awards & certificates

  • survey-leader-asia-leader-2023
  • survey-leader-asiapacific-leader-2023
  • survey-leader-enterprise-leader-2023
  • survey-leader-europe-leader-2023
  • survey-leader-latinamerica-leader-2023
  • survey-leader-leader-2023
  • survey-leader-middleeast-leader-2023
  • survey-leader-mid-market-leader-2023
  • survey-leader-small-business-leader-2023
  • survey-leader-unitedkingdom-leader-2023
  • survey-momentumleader-leader-2023
  • bbb-acredited
The Experience Journal

Find innovative ideas about Experience Management from the experts

  • © 2022 QuestionPro Survey Software | +1 (800) 531 0228
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Use