Briefly explain two benefits to a business of using quota sampling as a method of collecting data.
Quota sampling can offer several benefits to a business when collecting data. Here are two of them:
1. Ensures representative sample: By using quota sampling, the population is stratified, meaning it is divided into relevant subgroups or strata. The interviewer then selects a specified number of respondents from each stratum. This approach helps ensure that the sample is representative of all the strata in the population. Consequently, the data collected from the sample can accurately reflect the characteristics and diversity present in the entire population. This representative sample enhances the validity and reliability of the findings, allowing the business to make informed decisions based on more accurate information.
2. Targeted data collection: Quota sampling allows for more targeted data collection. As the interviewer selects a specified number of respondents from each stratum, the sample can be designed to ensure adequate representation from different demographic groups or other relevant factors. This targeted approach enables the business to gather specific information about different segments of the population, such as age groups, income levels, or geographic regions. By obtaining data from these targeted subgroups, the business can gain insights into the preferences, behaviors, or needs of specific market segments. This information can be valuable in developing targeted marketing strategies, tailoring products or services, or identifying new business opportunities.
Overall, quota sampling helps businesses collect more accurate and targeted data, enhancing decision-making capabilities and reducing costs and time associated with data collection.
CIE AS LEVEL October/November 2019
Answers may include: Quota sampling is when the population is stratified and an interviewer selects a specified number of respondents from each stratum. The benefits of quota sampling: • It ensures that the sample is chosen to be representative of all the strata in the population. • Allows more accurate data to be collected as sample is targeted. • It is quicker to collect information from a quota sample as fewer individuals need to be contacted, therefore results can be processed more rapidly to give the company information to act on. • It is easier and more practical to collect information from a small number of individuals rather than a larger random sample, especially when the whole population is large and spread over wide geographic region, thereby keeping down costs and speeding up research. • It is cheaper to collect data from a smaller number of people as fewer researchers are needed, therefore the cost of wages is reduced. • It allows more detailed information to be collected and analysed in the time allowed because the quality of interviewing can be better as there are fewer people to question. AS LEVEL