A method of conducting representative sampling is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes scheduling a plurality of observation prompts at bias-controlled times, in which the user is presented a series of items, called a tick list, for selection by the user; executing the scheduled observation prompts; accepting the user's selection(s) of items upon the observation prompts; counting the number of occasions on which each item is selected; and using the tick counts for representative sampling purposes. Additional features can render the method even more powerful and adaptable to diverse fields, and the method can be advantageously embodied in a computer based means. A user can thereby easily and inexpensively conduct representative sampling of nearly anything for which the user can develop a meaningful tick list.