Marketing Research and Insight Glossary

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

What is Selective Research?

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Selective research Definition

Research to choose among several viable alternatives identified by programmatic research.

Selective research refers to the practice of focusing on a specific subset or segment of a target audience or market population when conducting research. Instead of studying the entire population, researchers intentionally choose a particular group based on certain criteria, such as demographics, behavior or preferences. This approach allows for in-depth analysis of a specific market segment.

Who relies on selective research in market research?

Selective research is often conducted by businesses and organizations that want to gain a deeper understanding of a particular customer segment or niche market. It is especially valuable when resources are limited and a comprehensive study of the entire market is not feasible. Researchers and marketers also use selective research to tailor products, services and marketing strategies to specific customer needs.

Why should I care about selective research?

You should care about selective research in market research because it enables you to focus your efforts and resources on the most relevant and profitable market segments. By gaining insights into the specific preferences, behaviors and needs of a targeted group, you can make informed decisions that lead to more effective marketing campaigns, product development and business strategies. It allows you to allocate resources efficiently and avoid wasting resources on irrelevant audiences.

Why is selective research important?

  • Selective research is essential in market research as it allows businesses to achieve a higher return on investment by tailoring their strategies to meet the unique requirements of specific customer segments.
  • It helps in identifying growth opportunities, optimizing marketing messages and creating products and services that resonate with the chosen audience. However, it's crucial to strike a balance between selective research and broader market analysis to ensure that you don't miss potential opportunities in other segments.