Quota samples are typically selected so that the distribution of a characteristic or characteristics in the sample matches the distribution of these same characteristic(s) in the population. With respect to the representativeness of quota samples, it can thus be said that
A) a quota sample may be very far off the mark with respect to other important characteristics likely to influence the result but that were not used as controls when selecting the sample.
B) the fact that the distribution of the characteristic in the sample parallels the distribution in the population does not guarantee that the sample is representative.
C) the quota assigned each field worker should exactly mirror the distribution of the control characteristic(s) in the population.
D) a and b are true.
E) a, b, and c are true.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Quota sampling involves selecting a sample that reflects the characteristics of the whole population. However, if the sample matches the population in some characteristics but not others that are also important, it may still not be representative (A). Additionally, just because the sample matches the population in certain characteristics doesn't ensure overall representativeness (B). The statement in (C) is not necessarily true as the exact mirroring of distribution is not always feasible or required for quota sampling to be effective, making (D) the correct choice.

Quota Samples Are Typically Selected So That the Distribution of a Characteristic