Marketing Research and Insight Glossary

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

What is Multivariate analysis?

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Multivariate analysis Definition

Any statistical procedure that simultaneously analyzes several measurements (variables).

Multivariate analysis is a statistical technique used in market research to examine the relationships between multiple variables simultaneously. It helps researchers understand complex interactions and assess how different factors jointly impact a particular outcome, such as customer satisfaction, purchase likelihood or brand loyalty.

Who relies on multivariate analysis in market research?      

Market researchers, data analysts, product managers, brand strategists and marketing professionals rely on multivariate analysis to extract deeper insights from data. It is especially valuable for those who need to understand complex relationships and dependencies among variables, such as consumer behavior patterns or brand perception factors.

What are key aspects of multivariate analysis in market research?               

Key aspects include:

  • Simultaneous variable analysis: Examines multiple variables at once to assess their combined effect on an outcome.
  • Interaction insights: Identifies interactions and correlations among variables.
  • Data reduction: Uses techniques like factor analysis to simplify data by grouping related variables.
  • Predictive modeling: Assists in forecasting outcomes based on variable interactions.
  • Advanced techniques: Includes regression analysis, cluster analysis, factor analysis and conjoint analysis.

Why is multivariate analysis important in market research?              

Multivariate analysis is important because it enables researchers to uncover complex relationships and understand the combined impact of multiple factors on consumer behavior or market trends. By analyzing multiple variables together, companies gain a holistic view of influences on key outcomes, leading to more accurate insights and better-informed strategic decisions.

How do market researchers use multivariate analysis?        

Market researchers use multivariate analysis to explore relationships among various factors, segment markets and predict customer behavior. Techniques like cluster analysis are used for customer segmentation, while conjoint analysis helps in understanding consumer preferences. This analysis enables researchers to optimize products, marketing strategies and target messaging by revealing the most influential factors in decision-making processes.