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a study about CA aspiration of commerce students. Here the
entire class doesn’t have an equal chance of being selected; rather
only those who have hinted such an interest earlier have become ◆ Based on
part of the selection based on the judgement of the teacher. This predetermined
method is costly and it makes sure those elements that have the criteria
desired characteristic fall as samples. But this may not be a true
representative of the population and hence cannot be effectively
generalised. Also, thorough knowledge of the characteristics of
the element is necessary to make a decision of inclusion.
B. Convenience sampling

As the name suggests this is the most convenient technique of
sampling where we happen to take samples as those who come
across by chance. In a study about college, students in one’s own
college would be considered by the researcher rather than reaching
out to other institutions. This was a convenient selection where
there is high non-probability. The sample is taken by chance and
hence is also known as accidental sampling. ◆ Selecting samples

This method can be used when we have an infinite population which come across
by chance
or where we do have a clearly defined population. In order to
get an idea about the population, this method can be used. This
method does not require a frame, expertise or expense. This is a
highly biased and least reliable method of sampling.
C. Quota sampling

Quota sampling is a non-probability sampling technique ◆ Sampling based on
used to create a sample that reflects specific characteristics of quotas
the population. Instead of randomly selecting individuals, the
researcher sets predetermined quotas for different subgroups based
on certain characteristics (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity) and then
selectively samples individuals within each quota until it is filled.
Quota sampling is often used in situations where it is challenging
to implement random sampling, but the researcher still wants to
ensure representation of different groups in the sample.

Here’s an explanation of quota sampling with an example:
Suppose a researcher wants to conduct a survey on a college
campus to understand students’ preferences towards different food
options in the cafeteria. The college has a total student population of
5000, with various characteristics such as age and Discipline. The
researcher wants to ensure the sample reflects these characteristics
in the same proportions as the entire student population.
Step 1: Identify quota categories - The researcher decides to use ◆ Identify quota
two quota categories: age and discipline. For age, the researcher categories
wants 60 percent of the sample to be from students aged 18-20
and 40 percent from students aged 21-23. For the discipline, the
researcher wants the sample to have the same distribution as the

SGOU - SLM - MCom Research Methodology 61