Biostatistics: quota sampling: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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PSM · Biostatistics: quota sampling

Sample item

An interviewer in a market is told to interview 50 men and 50 women aged 20 to 40 years and approaches whoever is convenient until each quota is filled. Which sampling method is used?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Quota sampling

Quota sampling fills fixed numbers in each category using non-random, convenient selection, so it is a non-probability method. Stratified random sampling also uses categories but selects subjects at random from each. Because selection is not random, the sampling error cannot be estimated.

Option by option

  • A. Quota sampling (correct)

    Correct. Filling fixed quotas by convenience is non-probability quota sampling.

  • B. Cluster sampling

    Cluster sampling selects whole groups and not individuals to fill quotas.

  • C. Stratified random sampling

    Stratified random sampling selects subjects within each stratum by chance, not by convenience.

  • D. Systematic random sampling

    Systematic sampling needs a list and a fixed sampling interval.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is A, Quota sampling. Quota sampling fills fixed numbers in each category using non-random, convenient selection, so it is a non-probability method.

Why is "Cluster sampling" not the answer?

Cluster sampling selects whole groups and not individuals to fill quotas.

Why is "Stratified random sampling" not the answer?

Stratified random sampling selects subjects within each stratum by chance, not by convenience.

Why is "Systematic random sampling" not the answer?

Systematic sampling needs a list and a fixed sampling interval.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Biostatistics: quota sampling in PSM. Stratified random sampling also uses categories but selects subjects at random from each. Because selection is not random, the sampling error cannot be estimated.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Biostatistics: quota sampling?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.