Key statistical and demographic terms used in our compatibility calculations
Understanding the statistical and demographic concepts behind our calculations
A concept from relationship psychology referring to an individual's attractiveness and desirability as a romantic partner, encompassing physical attractiveness, social status, personality traits, and other factors that influence dating success.
The statistical likelihood of finding a partner who meets all specified demographic and preference criteria, calculated by multiplying individual factor probabilities.
Statistical information about population characteristics including age, race, income, education, political affiliation, and other measurable attributes collected through government surveys and censuses.
Statistical method that accounts for how multiple demographic factors (age, race, etc.) interact and influence each other, rather than treating them as independent variables.
A survey sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the larger population being studied, ensuring statistical findings can be generalized.
Mathematical approach where individual probabilities are multiplied together to calculate combined likelihood, assuming independence between factors.
U.S. government agency responsible for conducting the decennial census and ongoing demographic surveys, providing official population statistics.
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the CDC, combining interviews and physical examinations to assess health and nutritional status.
National Survey of Family Growth conducted by the CDC, collecting data on sexual behavior, pregnancy, and reproductive health among men and women in the United States.
Nonpartisan American think tank that conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, and social science research on various topics.
A measurement using height and weight to determine if an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese (BMI = weight(kg)/height(m)²).
The likelihood that a research finding is not due to chance, typically requiring a 95% confidence level (p < 0.05) in academic research.
The margin of error in survey results due to surveying only a sample of the population rather than the entire population.
Ongoing survey by the U.S. Census Bureau that gathers detailed demographic, social, economic, and housing information about American communities.
Monthly survey conducted by the Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics, providing current statistics on employment, unemployment, and demographic characteristics.
Sociological survey that has tracked American attitudes and behaviors since 1972, providing longitudinal data on social trends.
Statistical calculation that accounts for the relative importance or frequency of different data points, used when combining multiple demographic categories.
The total number of adult women (approximately 168 million) in the United States used as the foundation for calculating absolute numbers of compatible individuals.
Analysis showing how each individual preference (age, race, politics, etc.) contributes to the overall compatibility probability calculation.
The delay between when demographic data is collected and when it's published, typically 1-2 years for government surveys.
Differences in demographic characteristics between different regions, states, or metropolitan areas that can affect local dating markets.
The pool of available potential romantic partners in a given area or demographic group, influenced by local population characteristics.
Statistical bias that occurs when survey participants choose to participate, potentially making the sample unrepresentative of the broader population.
A range of values that likely contains the true population parameter, typically expressed with 95% confidence (e.g., 'between 23% and 27%').
Statistical technique showing the relationship between two or more demographic variables, revealing how factors interact with each other.
The highest level of education completed by an individual, typically categorized as high school or less, some college, bachelor's degree, or graduate degree.
The process by which educational credentials are distributed across different demographic groups, affecting social and dating market dynamics.
Statistical calculations that account for how educational level correlates with other demographic factors like age, race, and political affiliation.
Educational attainment data broken down by age groups, reflecting generational differences in college completion rates and degree attainment.
Need more details? Check our methodology page or data sources