Quota Sampling

Quota sampling is a way for businesses to gather information where they choose a specific number or quota of people to survey from different groups. This method is like when you’re trying to make sure you have a good mix on a sports team: not too many of one type of player but just enough of each kind for a fair game. In business intelligence and data analytics, quota sampling helps companies make decisions based on data that reflects a mini-version of a bigger group.

Imagine a company wants to find out what teenagers think about their new product. With quota sampling, they might decide to talk to 50 boys and 50 girls across different high schools to get a balanced view. This method is quicker and cheaper than trying to ask every teenager out there, and it also helps ensure that the company hears from a wide range of voices.

However, there’s a catch. Quota sampling isn’t perfect because it relies on the person doing the survey to pick the right mix of people, and sometimes they might not get it spot on. This isn’t like a random lottery where every person has an equal chance of being picked. So, while quota sampling is a good tool for getting a snapshot of opinions, businesses should remember it’s a rough sketch, not a detailed picture.