What is considered the "target population" in research?

The term "target population" refers to the complete set of individuals or subjects that researchers are interested in studying in relation to a specific research question. This encompasses all potential participants who share certain characteristics relevant to the study's focus. For instance, if a researcher is studying the effects of a new educational program on high school students, the target population would be all high school students who fit the criteria specified for the research, not just those who are easily accessible or who choose to respond to a survey.

By identifying the target population, researchers can ensure that their findings have broader applicability and relevance. This is essential for drawing meaningful conclusions from the data collected, as it allows for generalization to the larger group that the research is concerned with. The approach underscores the importance of clearly defining who the researchers want to reach, as it guides both the design of the study and the selection of participants.