In quota sampling, how are participants selected?

In quota sampling, participants are selected based on pre-defined characteristics set by the researcher. This approach involves identifying specific traits or demographics that are important for the research study, such as age, gender, or occupation, and ensuring that the sample reflects these characteristics in a way that mirrors the larger population.

By doing so, the researcher can control for certain variables and ensure diversity or specific representation within the sample. For example, if the researcher determines that their study requires equal representation of males and females, they will seek to recruit individuals until they reach the desired quota for each group. This method allows for more targeted insights into specific segments of the population, making it particularly useful in studies where certain characteristics are essential for analysis.

The other options would not accurately represent the methodology of quota sampling. Random selection from the general population does not align with the focused criteria used in quota sampling, and choosing participants from a biased group or restricting them to a specific regional population would undermine the intention to gather diverse and representative data.