Which sampling method involves deciding in advance how many participants with certain characteristics to include and then identifying them?

• A. Purposive sampling
• B. Quota sampling
• C. Random sampling
• D. Snowball sampling

Answer: (B)

Quota sampling is a non-probability method where you first decide how many participants you need in each subgroup defined by certain characteristics, and then identify people to fill those exact quotas. This approach aims to ensure the sample has specific proportions of characteristics (like gender, age, or other categories) by filling predefined numbers in each group, even though the selection within each group isn’t random. It’s different from purposive sampling, which focuses on choosing particular individuals for their qualities without fixed numbers; random sampling, which gives everyone in the population an equal chance to be chosen; and snowball sampling, which grows the sample through referrals from initial participants rather than meeting set quotas.