How is a 'population' defined in research methods?

In research methods, a 'population' is defined as the entire group of individuals that the study seeks to understand and make inferences about. This concept is foundational in research because it delineates the broader community or category from which samples may be drawn. By establishing who is included in the population, researchers can ensure that their findings are applicable and relevant to that larger group.

The population can vary in size and can be defined in various ways depending on the research question—such as all adults in a specific country, children attending a particular school, or patients with a specific health condition. Identifying the appropriate population is crucial because it shapes the study's design and the generalizability of the results.

When considering the other options, the group of researchers conducting a study does not define a population; rather, they are the executors of the study. A selection of participants chosen for a study pertains more to the concept of a sample, which is a subset of the population. Lastly, a statistical analysis of collected data refers to the methods used to assess and interpret the data gathered from the study, rather than defining the population itself. Therefore, the correct understanding of a 'population' is indeed the group of people that the study seeks to understand.