matched sample: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Academic/Technical
Quick answer
What does “matched sample” mean?
A sample intentionally selected to share specific characteristics with another sample for comparative analysis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sample intentionally selected to share specific characteristics with another sample for comparative analysis.
In research, a sample that is paired with another based on key variables to control for confounding factors. In manufacturing/quality control, items deliberately paired to test consistency or compatibility.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and frequency across both varieties. The term is domain-specific to research and technical fields.
Connotations
Neutral, precise, methodological.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse; high frequency in academic papers (medicine, social sciences, engineering).
Grammar
How to Use “matched sample” in a Sentence
The researchers used a matched sample of [GROUP] to control for [VARIABLE].Each participant was compared with a matched sample from the control group.Results from the treatment group were analysed against a matched sample.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “matched sample” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The study design required us to match the sample carefully on key demographics.
- Participants were matched for age and gender.
American English
- We need to match the sample before running the analysis.
- The groups were matched on income level.
adverb
British English
- The data was analysed matched-sample-wise to account for pairing.
- (This adverbial form is extremely rare and non-standard).
American English
- (The term is not used as an adverb in standard English).
adjective
British English
- The matched-sample analysis provided more precise results.
- They used a matched-sample approach for the clinical trial.
American English
- The matched-sample design strengthened the study's validity.
- A matched-sample comparison was essential.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In market research, a matched sample of consumers from different regions might be used to test advertising effectiveness.
Academic
The case-control study employed a matched sample to ensure age and socioeconomic status did not skew the results.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Engineers tested the new alloy against a matched sample of the standard material under identical stress conditions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “matched sample”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “matched sample”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matched sample”
- Using 'matched sample' to mean any similar sample (it requires deliberate matching on specific criteria).
- Confusing 'matched sample' with 'representative sample' (the latter represents a population, the former is paired for comparison).
- Incorrectly using plural: 'matched samples' is correct when referring to multiple pairs/groups.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A control group is a broader term. A matched sample is a specific way of *selecting* individuals for the control group so they closely resemble individuals in the treatment group on key characteristics.
Yes. In quality control, you might have a matched sample of components (e.g., two bolts from the same batch) tested under different conditions.
Matched pairs is a specific type of matched sample design where each participant in one group is directly, individually paired with a single participant in the other group. 'Matched samples' can be a broader term for groups matched on aggregate characteristics.
When it is impractical or unethical to find matching counterparts, or when the matching process itself could introduce bias (e.g., if it overly restricts the pool of available subjects).
A sample intentionally selected to share specific characteristics with another sample for comparative analysis.
Matched sample is usually formal/academic/technical in register.
Matched sample: in British English it is pronounced /mætʃt ˈsɑːm.pəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /mætʃt ˈsæm.pəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is technical and not used idiomatically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'matched' like a pair of socks – they are deliberately chosen to be alike. A 'matched sample' is deliberately chosen to be like another sample for a fair comparison.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESEARCH IS A CONTROLLED EXPERIMENT. A matched sample is a 'twin' or 'mirror' used to isolate the effect of a single variable.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a 'matched sample'?