Marketing Research and Insight Glossary

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

What is a Systematic Sample?

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Systematic Sample Definition

A procedure that selects every Nth unit (skip interval) of a population until the desired sample size is reached. The starting point should be a random position.

A systematic sample is a method used in market research where every nth individual or item is selected from a larger population for inclusion in the sample. The starting point is chosen randomly and subsequent selections are made at regular intervals, ensuring representation from across the population.

Who relies on systematic sample in market research?

Market researchers, data analysts and organizations conducting market research rely on systematic sampling to create representative samples from larger populations. This method is often employed when the population is large and a random selection process is desired for efficiency.

Why should I care about a systematic sample in market research?

Understanding systematic sampling is important because it offers a practical way to select a representative sample from a large population without the need to individually randomize every selection. If you're involved in market research, this method allows you to efficiently gather data while maintaining a certain level of randomness.

Why is systematic sample important to market research?

  • Systematic sampling simplifies the sampling process and helps ensure that the selected sample accurately represents the population.
  • By following a regular pattern of selection, it reduces potential biases and allows for statistically meaningful conclusions, making the research findings more reliable and applicable to the broader population.