Marketing Research and Insight Glossary

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

What is a Sub-Sample?

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Sub-Sample Definition

A sample of a sample.

Sub-sample refers to a smaller group or subset of a larger population that is chosen to represent the entire population. It is a representative segment that is selected to provide insights, draw conclusions or make inferences about the larger population without having to survey or analyze every individual within that population. Sub-sampling helps researchers gather meaningful data while minimizing costs and efforts.

Who relies on sub-sample in market research?

Various entities rely on sub-samples in market research, including companies, researchers and policymakers. Companies often use sub-samples to understand customer preferences, evaluate product feedback and assess market trends without surveying all customers. Researchers use sub-sampling to conduct studies efficiently and draw conclusions about a broader population. Policymakers might employ sub-samples to gauge public opinion on certain issues. In essence, anyone seeking insights from a large group while managing resources can benefit from sub-sampling.

Why should I care about sub-sample in market research?

You should care about sub-sampling in market research because it offers several advantages. It allows you to gain insights into a larger population without the high costs and time-consuming efforts required to survey everyone. This approach can lead to more efficient decision-making. By understanding sub-samples, you can make informed choices based on representative data. Whether you're a business owner aiming to improve products or a researcher studying societal trends, sub-sampling empowers you to make reliable conclusions without the burden of analyzing the entire population.

Why is sub-sample important in market research?

  • The importance of sub-sampling in market research lies in its ability to strike a balance between accuracy and resource efficiency.
  • Sub-sample enables researchers to make valid inferences about a whole population while studying only a portion of it.
  • Carefully designed sub-samples can accurately represent diverse viewpoints, behaviors and characteristics, yielding meaningful results. However, it's crucial to ensure that sub-samples are chosen using appropriate methods to avoid biases and ensure the reliability of the insights generated from the smaller group.
  • Sub-sampling is a powerful tool that optimizes research efforts while maintaining statistical validity.