Final answer:
Demographic variables are the most popular segmentation criteria, offering crucial insights for businesses to effectively reach and serve different market segments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the most popular segmentation criteria used by businesses and researchers when analyzing market segments are demographic variables. These include characteristics such as age, gender, income level, marital status, education, and occupation. Such demographic data is crucial as it helps in understanding and identifying customer segments for targeted marketing, product development, and business strategy. Demographic segmentation helps businesses tailor their offerings to the specific needs and preferences of different groups, leading to more efficient and effective marketing campaigns. Demographic data are routinely collected through means such as censuses and vital statistics registries, assisting governments, and businesses alike in planning and resource allocation.