subscale
UK: ˈsʌbskeɪl | US: ˈsʌbskeɪl
n. a secondary or smaller scale within a larger system or measurement framework
n. (psychometrics) a subset of items in a test designed to measure a specific component of a broader construct
The word "subscale" combines the Latin prefix sub- (meaning "under" or "secondary") with the noun scale (from Latin scala, "ladder" or "measure"). The term emerged in scientific and technical contexts to denote a smaller or auxiliary measurement system nested within a larger framework. Its logic mirrors hierarchical structures, where sub- implies a subordinate or partitioned role.
The study used a subscale to assess emotional resilience within the broader personality inventory.
Engineers analyzed the subscale model before constructing the full-sized prototype.
Each subscale of the survey focused on a distinct aspect of customer satisfaction.
The subscale measurements revealed finer details missed by the primary evaluation.
Researchers validated the subscale’s reliability through repeated testing.