Representatiivsusega

Representatiivsusega is an Estonian term formed as the instrumental case of representatiivsus, meaning representativeness or representativity. In statistics, surveying, and social research it denotes how well a sample or data set reflects the characteristics of the target population. The concept is central to the validity of inferences drawn from data, since biased or non-representative samples can lead to incorrect conclusions.

Representativeness describes the alignment between sample distribution and population distribution across key attributes such as age, gender, region, income, education, and other relevant variables. It also involves the degree to which subgroups within the population are proportionally represented. Researchers assess representativeness by comparing sample benchmarks to known population benchmarks and by evaluating potential sources of bias, such as nonresponse or coverage gaps.

Common methods to improve representativeness include probability sampling (random sampling), stratified sampling to ensure subgroups are represented, and, in some cases, quota sampling. After data collection, weighting and post-stratification adjustments can be applied to better match population characteristics. Researchers also report the representativeness of their samples and the limitations that affect generalizability.

Applications of representatiivsusega include political opinion polling, epidemiological and public health surveys, market research, and census-related planning. While perfect representativeness is often unattainable, transparent reporting and appropriate methodological choices help ensure that conclusions reasonably reflect the broader population.