In research terms, what is a population?

In research terminology, a population refers to the complete set of items or individuals that are the subject of a study. This definition encompasses all the elements that researchers wish to learn about, making it a foundational concept in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. By identifying the population, researchers can determine the scope of their study and ensure that their findings can be generalized to the larger group from which the sample is drawn.

In practice, understanding the complete population is essential for conducting effective sampling and ensuring that the insights gained from the research reflect the characteristics of the entire group. For example, if a researcher is studying consumer behavior among college students in the U.S., the population would include all college students across the country.

The other choices represent different concepts within research methodology. A random group of individuals selected for research describes a sample taken from the population, which is not the same as the entire population itself. A subgroup within a larger population refers to a specific section of that population, again indicating a smaller segment rather than the complete set. Lastly, statistical analysis of survey results involves the techniques used to analyze data collected from a sample and does not define what a population is. Each of these options highlights important aspects of research but does not capture the overarching definition of a population correctly