sequential analysis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “sequential analysis” mean?
The statistical technique of evaluating data as it is collected, with the option to stop the study early if a clear result emerges.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The statistical technique of evaluating data as it is collected, with the option to stop the study early if a clear result emerges.
Any systematic, step-by-step examination of information or a process where the order and progression of steps are integral to the method.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or syntactic differences. Term is identical in spelling and use.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both UK and US academic/professional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sequential analysis” in a Sentence
N of N (analysis of data)Adj N (statistical analysis)V N (to conduct analysis)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sequential analysis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team decided to sequential analyse the trial data.
- We need to sequential-analyse these results.
American English
- The team decided to sequentially analyze the trial data.
- We need to perform a sequential analysis on these results.
adverb
British English
- The data was assessed sequentially.
- They evaluated the samples sequentially.
American English
- The data was analyzed sequentially.
- They evaluated the samples sequentially.
adjective
British English
- The sequential analysis approach saved research funds.
- They followed a sequential-analysis protocol.
American English
- The sequential analysis approach saved research funds.
- They followed a sequential analysis protocol.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might be used in data analytics or A/B testing for digital products to decide when to stop a test.
Academic
Common in statistics, clinical trials, psychology, and operational research methodology.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain of use, referring to a specific statistical procedure with stopping rules.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sequential analysis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sequential analysis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sequential analysis”
- Using it as a fancy term for 'step-by-step analysis' in non-technical contexts.
- Misspelling as 'sequential analyzis' (non-standard).
- Confusing it with 'serial analysis'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Data analysis' is a broad term. 'Sequential analysis' is a specific type of data analysis where data is examined at intervals during collection, with predefined rules for stopping.
It is most prominent in fields requiring rigorous experimental design, such as clinical trials (medicine), quality control (manufacturing), psychology experiments, and statistical hypothesis testing.
While you could describe that process literally, using the technical term 'sequential analysis' would be inappropriate and sound unnatural in everyday conversation. Use 'reading sequentially' or 'chapter-by-chapter analysis' instead.
The key concept is the use of 'stopping rules.' Statistical thresholds are set in advance; as data accumulates, it is repeatedly tested against these thresholds. Once a threshold is crossed, the analysis stops, and a conclusion is drawn.
The statistical technique of evaluating data as it is collected, with the option to stop the study early if a clear result emerges.
Sequential analysis is usually technical / academic in register.
Sequential analysis: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈkwenʃl əˈnæləsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈkwenʃəl əˈnæləsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a detective examining clues ONE AFTER ANOTHER (sequentially) and deciding if they have enough evidence to make an arrest now, or if they need to keep looking.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANALYSIS IS A JOURNEY WITH CHECKPOINTS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary advantage of using sequential analysis in a clinical trial?