What term is used for individual elements or groups from which data is collected?

The correct term for individual elements or groups from which data is collected is "Sampling Units." In the context of marketing research and data collection, sampling units refer to the specific elements that are selected from a larger population for the purpose of gathering data. Each sampling unit can be an individual respondent, a household, an organization, or any other defined entity that represents a portion of the broader population.

Understanding sampling units is crucial because it helps researchers define who and what will be studied. This affects the quality and reliability of the data collected, as well as the conclusions drawn from that data. Selection of appropriate sampling units ensures that the sample accurately reflects the characteristics of the larger population, thus enhancing the validity of the research and findings.

Other terms mentioned, like "Sample Population," refers to the larger group from which the sampling units are drawn, while "Data Sets" are collections of data typically already compiled, and "Subject Pools" may imply a group of subjects available for research but does not specifically denote individual elements for data collection in the same way that "Sampling Units" does.