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Define the term 'population' in the context of psychological research and explain what determines its breadth or specificity.
Question: Define the term 'population' in the context of psychological research and explain what determines its breadth or specificity.
Sample answer: In psychological research, a population is the entire group of individuals that researchers are interested in studying and drawing conclusions about. The breadth or specificity of a population is determined entirely by the researcher's goals. Therefore, a population can be very broad, such as all human beings, or highly specific, such as all American teenagers, children with autism, or professional athletes.
Key points:
- The entire group of individuals
- The group researchers want to study and draw conclusions about
- Breadth is determined by the researcher's goals
- Can range from very broad to highly specific
Rubric: A correct response must state that a population is the entire group of individuals a researcher intends to study and draw conclusions about. It must also indicate that the specificity of the population depends on the researcher's goals.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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Sample
In the context of psychological research, how is a 'population' defined?
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