A researcher uses a nonprobability technique to recruit participants and ensures that important subgroups are represented proportionally in the sample. This technique is known as what?

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

Answer: (B)

Quota sampling is a nonprobability approach that ensures important subgroups are represented in the sample in proportion to their presence in the population by assigning quotas for each subgroup and recruiting nonrandomly until those quotas are filled. This creates a sample that mirrors the specified population proportions without using random selection. It differs from purposive sampling, which selects individuals for particular purposes or attributes without aiming to match overall population proportions, and from snowball and convenience sampling, which rely on referrals or availability rather than predefined quotas. A key caveat is that, because selection within quotas is nonrandom, the sample may still be biased for other characteristics not captured by the quotas.