Eirepresentatiivinen

Eirepresentatiivinen is a term used to describe data, samples, or conclusions that do not adequately reflect the characteristics of a larger population. The form eirepresentatiivinen is not widely attested in standard Finnish; more common spellings include epärepresentatiivinen, or the two-word expression ei representatiivinen.

In practice, eirepresentatiivinen would be discussed in contexts such as statistics, market research, public policy evaluation, and media analysis to signal limited applicability of findings beyond the studied group. Typical causes include biased sampling frames, nonresponse bias, selection effects, or a narrow geographic, temporal, or demographic scope. Its use implies a warning about generalizing results beyond the observed data.

Implications of eirepresentatiivinen data include reduced external validity and questionable generalizability. Decisions, policies, or theories based on such data may misrepresent the wider population and misguide interpretation or action unless acknowledged and adjusted for.

To improve representativity, researchers may employ random or stratified sampling, weighting to correct for known biases, post-stratification, or more comprehensive coverage to reduce gaps. Clear documentation of limitations, sample characteristics, and the scope of inference helps readers assess whether conclusions are appropriately cautious.

See also: representativeness, sampling bias, external validity, survey methodology.