Marketing Research and Insight Glossary

Definitions, common uses and explanations of 1,500+ key market research terms and phrases.

What is Central Location Testing (CLT)?

Research Topics:
Central Location Interviewing | Product Testing Research
Industry/Market Focus:
Consumers
Content Type:
Glossary
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Central Location Testing (CLT) Definition

Research conducted at a conveniently located location to which respondents come to participate in the study or survey.

Central location testing, or CLT, is a research method used when participants are brought to a central facility to evaluate and provide feedback on products, advertisements or concepts. Typically, the research is conducted at a conveniently located location to which respondents come to participate. This controlled environment allows researchers to gather and record participant reactions, preferences and perceptions. CLT helps assess the effectiveness of various marketing elements before a wider rollout of products for services. CLT's value is in its ability to provide controlled and standardized conditions for data collection, which minimizes external influences and biases. What’s more, it ensures that insights gained are accurate and reliable. In other words, CLT acts as a bridge between consumer preferences and business decisions, leading to more successful and customer-centric marketing endeavors.

Who relies on central location testing?

By gathering insights from a diverse group of participants through CLT, manufacturers, advertising agencies and businesses looking to launch new offerings or improve existing ones can make informed decisions and optimize their marketing strategies.

Why should I care about the central limit theorem?

CLT benefits consumers and businesses alike. The preferences and opinions of consumers play a large role in influencing the development of products and advertisements. For businesses, CLT provides reliable data to refine marketing approaches, possibly leading to more successful and targeted campaigns.