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Version: 2025-05-27

Understanding interlocked quotas in profiles

This article explains the concept of interlocked quotas (previously known as nested quotas) in Cint’s profiling system. It covers what interlocked quotas are, how they function, why researchers use them, and the operational considerations when applying them to target groups.

What are interlocked quotas?​

Interlocked quotas allow you to combine options from two or more profiling questions into a single, multi-dimensional targeting segment. Instead of setting quotas for each question independently (e.g., gender alone, age alone), an interlocked quota defines combined segments, such as:

  • Females aged 18–24
  • Males aged 35–44
  • Non-Hispanic Females aged 25–34

In an interlocked quota:

  • Respondents must satisfy all conditions simultaneously.
  • Each segment is represented as a target within the interlocked quota.
  • Each target has its own quota definition (e.g., completes_goal_percentage, completes_goal).

Interlocked quotas effectively create a matrix of characteristics, where each matrix cell represents one interlocked target segment.

Why researchers use interlocked quotas​

Researchers use interlocked quotas to achieve precise audience control beyond simple demographic quotas.

Break down the audience into smaller, more specific groups​

Interlocked quotas allow you to combine characteristics such as:

  • Age × Gender
  • Gender × Ethnicity
  • Household Income × Parental Status

This provides deeper segmentation and more meaningful analysis.

Ensure balanced distribution​

Interlocked quotas help you maintain balanced representation across combined characteristics. For example, ensuring equal male/female distribution within every age band, not just overall.

Prevent skews​

Without interlocking, a survey might fill large quotas with the easiest-to-find respondents. Interlocked quotas prevent this by explicitly defining each allowed combination.

Potential impacts of interlocked quotas

While powerful for precise targeting, controlling your respondent pool with interlocked quotas can have significant impacts if not set up carefully:

  • Limited Feasibility: Combining too many restrictive conditions can drastically reduce the number of available respondents, making it difficult or impossible to fill your quotas.
  • Increased Costs: Niche or hard-to-find interlocked segments can command a higher Cost Per Interview (CPI) due to scarcity.
  • Extended Field Time: If the target audience for specific interlocked cells is very small or difficult to find, the time required to complete the survey fieldwork can be significantly prolonged.

For additional tips and best practices on how to set up and optimize interlocked quotas, please refer to the Cint Support Portal and speak directly with your Customer Success representative.