Quota sampling method in online household surveys

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Economics
• Public Health

Background:

• The Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted traditional field surveys, increasing costs and limiting mobility due to safety protocols.
• Restrictions necessitated PCR testing for surveyors and participants, posing challenges for large-scale household research with broad geographical coverage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an alternative, cost-effective method for obtaining representative household samples for research during the pandemic.
• To maintain survey validity while adapting to public health restrictions and economic constraints.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of an internet-based survey methodology.
• Utilizing quota sampling with strict adherence to controlled proportions.
• Employing local enumerators for respondent recruitment and validation to ensure quota control.

Main Results:

• The proposed method offers an affordable alternative for conducting valid household surveys.
• Quota sampling, supported by local enumerators, proved effective for managing respondent criteria and ensuring sample representativeness.
• The internet-based approach facilitates wider implementation in social and economic studies.

Conclusions:

• An internet-based quota sampling strategy provides a viable and cost-effective solution for household research amidst pandemic-related challenges.
• This adaptable methodology ensures data validity and representativeness, crucial for social and economic field studies.
• The integration of local enumerators enhances the feasibility and reliability of online survey data collection.