Underprøver

Underprøver is a term used in Scandinavian statistical and research contexts to denote subsamples drawn from a larger population or data set for analysis. The form is the plural of underprøve, combining the prefix under- with prøve meaning “sample” or “test.” The term is not uniformly standardized and may be encountered primarily in Norwegian and Danish methodological writings rather than in formal statistics handbooks.

In practice, an underprøver is selected to perform preliminary analyses, calibrate measurement instruments, or test hypotheses when collecting the full data set would be costly or impractical. Common methods for obtaining underprøver include random sampling, stratified sampling, or systematic sampling, with the aim of ensuring representativeness of the underlying population.

Analysts use underprøver to estimate population parameters, assess model assumptions, or validate data collection procedures before proceeding to larger-scale studies. Caution is required, because underprøver are susceptible to sampling bias if the selection process is flawed, and their conclusions typically apply only to the scope of the subsample rather than the entire population. Reporting should specify the size of the underprøver, the selection method, and the criteria used.

See also: subsample, sample, prøver, undersøkelse.