Pooled Maximum Likelihood Estimation (Pooled MLE) is a statistical technique used to estimate parameters for a large set of data that is pooled together to form a single representative sample. The technique is commonly used in marketing research to analyze survey responses, but can be applied to any type of data where it may be necessary to aggregate large quantities of information.
Pooled MLE models can be used to estimate parameters more accurately than individual-level estimation like OLS, while also saving time and resources that would go into obtaining and storing individual-level data. This method can also be used if individual-level data is unavailable or if the variables do not lend themselves to individual-level estimation.
The technique involves pooling together multiple datasets into a single representative one. This can be accomplished by using a random sampling technique or by assigning weights to different individuals or groups of individuals. Each individual dataset can then be examined for its respective parameters and the overall parameter estimates can then be obtained by averaging the estimates from each individual dataset. This pooled dataset can then be used as the representative sample in the estimation process.
Pooled MLE models are most commonly used when it is not possible or practical to obtain individual-level data for each observation. This makes it ideal for situations where obtaining data from each individual is time-consuming or expensive. Pooled MLE also allow you to save resources by pooling multiple datasets together and estimating parameters in a single representative sample.
The estimated parameters obtained from pooled MLE can then be used as input in downstream models such as regression analysis. This method can also be used to compare the expected values of each this model can be used to compare the effects of different marketing efforts. Pooled MLE also allow you to identify groups or types of consumers that exist throughout the entire population, making it ideal for segmentation analysis.
Pooled maximum likelihood estimation is a useful and often necessary tool in data analysis. The technique enables researchers to quickly and accurately estimate parameters and make reliable comparisons across different datasets. It also provides cost efficiency as data from each individual does not need to be obtained. This makes it a great choice for situations where individual-level data is either unavailable or too costly to obtain.