In statistics, what does the term 'population' refer to?

The term 'population' in statistics refers to the entire set of measurements or responses belonging to a defined group that we are interested in studying. This can include all individuals, items, or data points that meet specific criteria relevant to the research question. For example, if a researcher wants to understand the average height of adult males in a city, the population would encompass every adult male residing in that city.

Understanding this definition is crucial because statistical analysis often revolves around making inferences about a population based on a sample, which is a smaller subset drawn from that population. By defining a population clearly, researchers can ensure that their findings and conclusions are valid and applicable to the larger group.

Other options do not accurately encapsulate the definition of 'population.' A subset of a sample would refer to a smaller group taken from a sample, random selections pertain to sampling methods, and the phrase "none of the above" does not apply since the correct description of a population is provided.