What is the target population in research?

The target population in research refers to the entire group of individuals that the researcher is interested in studying. This encompasses everyone who fits the criteria relevant to the research question and helps ensure that the findings can be generalized to that larger group. Defining a clear target population is crucial for the validity and applicability of research results, allowing researchers to draw meaningful conclusions that can be relevant beyond just the sample used in the study.

In contrast, other options describe specific subsets of populations or procedures that do not capture the broader concept of the target population. For example, a specific group of respondents chosen via random sampling is part of the research process, but it does not represent the overall target population itself. Similarly, participants who agree to take part in experiments and individuals who have already been studied are both limited groups and not representative of the complete population of interest for the research. Understanding the distinction is key for anyone involved in research methodology.