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Demographic criteria help you recruit participants who match your research needs. Set age, gender, location, and other characteristics to target your ideal respondents.

Available Demographics

Deepfield supports various demographic targeting options:

Core Demographics

CriterionOptionsExample
AgeAge ranges25-34, 35-44, 45-54
GenderMale, Female, OtherFemale only
CountryCountries availableUnited States, Canada, UK

Additional Criteria

Depending on your recruitment settings, you may also target:
CriterionDescription
Region/StateSpecific geographic areas
IncomeHousehold income ranges
EducationEducational attainment
EmploymentEmployment status or industry

Setting Up Demographics

1

Select Your Panel

Go to the Recruit tab and select the panel you want to configure.
2

Open Demographic Settings

Click on the demographics section or “Edit Criteria.”
3

Select Criteria

Choose which demographics to target:
  • Check the criteria you need
  • Leave unchecked for any demographic
4

Set Values

For each criterion, select your target values:
  • Age: Select ranges
  • Gender: Select genders to include
  • Country: Select countries
5

Review Incidence

Check how your criteria affect available participants.
6

Save

Save your panel with the demographic settings.

Age Targeting

Setting Age Ranges

Select one or more age ranges:
  • 18-24
  • 25-34
  • 35-44
  • 45-54
  • 55-64
  • 65+

Age Targeting Tips

Broader is easier. Wide age ranges recruit faster than narrow ones.
Match your audience. Target ages that align with your product’s actual users.
Consider comparison. If you’ll compare age groups, ensure sufficient sample in each.

Gender Targeting

Options

  • All genders: No gender filter
  • Male: Male respondents only
  • Female: Female respondents only
  • Specific combinations: As needed

Gender Targeting Tips

Consider natural balance. Some categories skew by gender. Match your target market.
Avoid unnecessary restrictions. Unless gender is relevant to your research, include all.

Location Targeting

Country Selection

Select one or more countries where you want to recruit.

Regional Targeting

If available, you can target specific regions within countries:
  • US states
  • Canadian provinces
  • UK regions

Location Tips

Timezone matters. Participants in different countries may respond at different times.
Language considerations. Ensure your study is in a language your target locations speak.
Legal/regulatory. Some industries have location-specific requirements.

Combining Criteria

You can combine multiple demographics: Example: Young Urban Professionals
  • Age: 25-44
  • Country: United States
  • (Additional criteria if available)
Example: Mass Market
  • Age: 18-65
  • Gender: All
  • Country: US, Canada, UK

How Combinations Affect Incidence

Each criterion you add narrows your audience:
CriteriaApproximate Incidence
All adults100%
Adults 25-44~35%
Adults 25-44, Female~17%
Adults 25-44, Female, US only~5%
The more criteria you combine, the smaller your available pool.

Demographic Best Practices

Start Broad

Begin with minimal criteria. Add restrictions only when your research requires them.

Match Your Market

Target demographics that reflect your actual customers or target market.

Plan for Analysis

If you’ll analyze by demographic segments, ensure enough respondents in each segment.

Consider Incidence

Check the incidence rate before finalizing. Very narrow criteria make recruitment difficult.

Demographics vs. Screening

MethodWhen to Use
DemographicsStandard characteristics (age, gender, location)
Screening QuestionsBehaviors, attitudes, or specific qualifications
Example:
  • Demographic: Ages 25-44, USA
  • Screening: “Do you own a pet?” (Yes required to qualify)
Use demographics for basic targeting, screening questions for specific qualifications.

Common Scenarios

Consumer Research

Broad demographics with behavioral screening:
  • Age: 18-65
  • Gender: All
  • Screening: Category purchasers

B2B Research

Professional criteria:
  • Employment: Full-time
  • Industry: Specific sector
  • Role: Decision makers

Youth Market

Young audience targeting:
  • Age: 18-24 or 18-34
  • Additional: Platform usage, behaviors

Senior Market

Older audience targeting:
  • Age: 55+ or 65+
  • Considerations: Device preferences, survey length

Common Questions

Leave criteria unselected to recruit a general population sample. You can still analyze by demographics using data collected during the survey.
Changes to active panels are limited. It’s best to set demographics correctly before publishing.
Accuracy depends on participant self-reported data. Generally reliable for common demographics.
If you need demographic data for analysis, include the questions in your survey. Panel criteria filter who can participate, but may not give you data to analyze.

Next Steps