Research Topics:

Quantitative Research | Sampling

Content Type:

Glossary

Controlled Substitutions Definition

Substituting a unit of sample or respondent with another (drawn in accordance with the selection parameters of the individual being replaced).

Controlled substitutions refers to the deliberate manipulation, or substitution, of certain variables in a controlled environment to assess their impact on consumer behavior and preferences. It involves replacing one element with another to study the resulting changes. Respondents also can be substituted as long as the replacement is drawn in accordance with the selection parameters of the individual being replaced. Controlled substitutions permit researchers to isolate and measure the impact of specific changes on consumer behavior in order to avoid the confounding effects of other variables. This practice improves the reliability of research findings.

Who relies on controlled substitutions?

Marketing researchers, product developers and businesses use controlled substitutions to uncover insights into how changes in marketing strategies or product attributes influence consumer responses.

Why should I care about controlled substitutions?

Controlled substitutions are relied upon by marketing professionals to make informed choices because the method reveals which changes are more likely to lead to desired outcomes among target audiences.