kvoteudvælgelse

Kvoteudvælgelse, often translated as quota selection or quota sampling, is a non-probability sampling technique used in market research and social sciences. It is employed when a researcher wants to ensure that specific subgroups within a population are represented in the sample, but not necessarily in proportion to their prevalence in the population. Instead, the researcher sets predetermined quotas for each subgroup based on certain characteristics such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, or geographical location.

The process involves identifying the relevant subgroups and deciding on the target number of participants for each subgroup. Researchers then recruit participants until these quotas are met. For example, a researcher might aim to interview 50 men and 50 women for a study, regardless of the actual gender distribution in the larger population. This differs from stratified sampling, where the proportions of subgroups in the sample are intended to mirror those in the population.

Kvoteudvælgelse is often used for its practicality and cost-effectiveness, especially when random sampling is difficult or impossible to implement. It allows researchers to gather data from specific groups that might otherwise be underrepresented or difficult to reach. However, due to its non-random nature, the sample obtained may not be representative of the entire population, which can limit the generalizability of the findings. The selection within each quota is also subject to the researcher's discretion or the accessibility of participants, introducing potential biases.