underrepresenting
Underrepresenting is the condition in which a subgroup, category, or attribute appears in data, coverage, or decision-making at a smaller share than its presence in the relevant population. It can affect statistics, media, governance, science, and policy, leading to uneven visibility and allocation of resources.
Causes include sampling bias, nonresponse, gatekeeping, access barriers, and structural inequalities that limit participation or exposure
In surveys, older adults may be underrepresented in internet-based samples; in politics, women or racial minorities
Common metric is the representation ratio RR = share of the group in the sample or output divided
Underrepresenting can distort conclusions, skew policy priorities, reinforce stereotypes, and reduce external validity of research.
Mitigation includes stratified sampling, oversampling underrepresented groups, post-stratification weighting, inclusive design, accessibility improvements, and transparent reporting
Related topics include sampling bias, representation, diversity and inclusion, and equity.