In research terminology, what does the term 'population' refer to?

In research terminology, the term 'population' specifically refers to all individuals relevant to the research topic. This encompasses the total set of subjects or elements that are being studied or from which samples may be drawn. Understanding the population is crucial for ensuring that research findings can be generalized effectively.

In the context of psychological research, the population can include any group that is pertinent to the research question, such as all adults in a specific region, individuals with a particular psychological condition, or students in a certain age group. The idea is to define the broader group to which researchers intend to apply their findings, ensuring that the study has relevance and scope.

The other options touch on various aspects of research but do not accurately define 'population' in this context. A selected subsection refers to a sample drawn from the population, not the entire group. Any group of people with similar characteristics might describe a population, but it lacks the specificity required in research parlance. Finally, only those who agree to participate describes a sample of a population, focusing more on consent than the broader definition needed for 'population'.