Population and Target Population in Research Methodology

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Introduction
Research methodology relies heavily on the precise definition and differentiation between the population under study and the target population, as these concepts serve as the foundation of any research endeavour (Kothari, 2004;Creswell, 2014).The population refers to a larger group with similar features within a specific context.This group gives researchers a basic grasp of the demographic or institutional environment they want to study (Martínez-Mesa et al., 2016).In contrast, the target population represents specific subsets within this larger cohort, delineated by predefined criteria that align with the research objectives (Alvi, 2016).This difference helps ensure that research questions are suited to the population of interest's particular traits and demands, improving validity and applicability (Willie, 2022).Despite the fundamental importance of differentiating between population and target population, researchers often need help defining and delineating these concepts.Ambiguity in their definitions can lead to confusion in research design and sampling strategies, ultimately compromising the integrity of the study.Asiamah et al. (2017) underscores the significance of clarity in defining the target population, as any misalignment between the target population and research objectives can undermine the validity and generalizability of study findings.Therefore, a comprehensive exploration of these concepts' nuances is paramount to enhance understanding and ensure methodological rigour in research studies.

Methods
This study uses a qualitative research technique to examine empirical literature and clearly understand the notions of population and target population in research methodology (Neuman, 2014;Creswell. & Creswell, 2017).The methodology involves reviewing existing literature from scholarly sources, including peer-reviewed journals, books, and research reports.The thematic analysis identifies vital themes, patterns, and distinctions related to population and target population concepts across different research studies (Braun & Clarke, 2012).The literature selection is purposive, ensuring relevance to the research aim.

Aims of the study
This study aims to elucidate the fundamental concepts of population and target population in research methodology.It provides a clear understanding of their definitions and distinctions while emphasising their critical role in shaping various aspects of research studies.It also guides researchers in establishing clear definitions and delineations to enhance their research endeavours' rigour, validity, and ethical integrity.

Defining Population and Target Population
A population is a cornerstone in research methodology, encapsulating a collective of individuals who exhibit shared characteristics within a defined geographic or institutional domain (Martínez-Mesa et al., 2016).This concept lays the groundwork for research endeavours, establishing the overarching framework for formulating research questions and hypotheses.The population provides researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the group under study, facilitating the exploration of various phenomena and phenomena (Martínez-Mesa et al., 2016).In contrast, the target population constitutes a subset of the broader population being investigated, characterised by specific attributes or criteria directly relevant to the research inquiry (Alvi, 2016).This subset is delineated based on parameters that align with the objectives and scope of the research study, allowing researchers to focus their investigations on segments of the population that are of particular interest or significance (Asiamah et al., 2017;Casteel & Bridier, 2021;Willie, 2022).By identifying the target population, researchers can refine their research objectives and sampling strategies to ensure alignment with the study's aims and objectives (Alvi, 2016).This differentiation is critical in research methodology as it enables researchers to tailor their approaches and methods to the characteristics and needs of the population under investigation, thereby enhancing the relevance and applicability of their findings.

Population and Target Population by type of research study
The section on differentiating between population and target population in research studies outlines key distinctions across various study types, as outlined in Table 1.In descriptive studies, the population represents the entire group of interest meeting study criteria, while the target population narrows focus to a specific subgroup.For instance, all adults in a city comprise the population, while adults aged 18-35 in urban areas with income below the poverty line form the target population (Banerjee & Chaudhury, 2010;Martínez-Mesa et al., 2016).Experimental studies define the population as the sample group for generalisation, with the target population being those eligible and willing to participate.An example is all university students, with a subset being students in a specific course willing to engage in a study on teaching methods (Trochim & Donnelly, 2006).In qualitative studies, the population encompasses a broader group relevant to the research question, while the target population is a specific subgroup possessing essential qualities or experiences (Neuman 2014, Creswell. & Creswell, 2017).For instance, individuals with breast cancer form the population, while women aged 40-60 undergoing treatment represent the target population.Lastly, the population remains consistent in longitudinal studies, while the target population remains relevant to the research question.For example, all city residents surveyed annually represent the population, while individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease tracked over time comprise the target population.Each type of study is accompanied by citations to reputable sources for further exploration.

Consequences of poorly defined population target population
Consequences that undermine the validity, reliability, and ethical integrity of the research are outlined in Figure 1 below.Firstly, ambiguous definitions can result in sampling bias, where specific population segments are overrepresented or underrepresented in the sample, leading to skewed results (Simundić, 2013;Shringarpure & Xing, 2014).Additionally, the lack of clarity surrounding the population and target population limits the generalizability of research findings, as researchers may struggle to apply their results to broader populations beyond the studied sample (Asiamah et al., 2017;Willie, 2022).This lack of generalizability can further exacerbate misinterpretations of findings, as researchers may erroneously generalise conclusions to populations not adequately represented in the study.Moreover, poorly defined populations can compromise the adequacy of research designs, as researchers may struggle to select appropriate methods, sampling techniques, and data collection procedures (Trochim & Donnelly, 2006).This can result in wasted resources as time, effort, and funding are invested in studies that yield inconclusive or invalid results due to sampling issues or misidentification of the target population.
Furthermore, ethical concerns arise from inaccurate representations of the target population, as marginalised or vulnerable groups may be excluded from research studies, perpetuating inequalities in access to resources and opportunities (Dattalo, 2010).Misinterpreting findings may also lead to misguided interventions with unintended consequences for the target population.Therefore, addressing these consequences through clear definitions of population and target population is crucial for enhancing research studies' rigour, validity, and ethical integrity, ultimately contributing to advancing knowledge and societal outcomes.

Conclusion
This study has elucidated the fundamental concepts of population and target population in research methodology, emphasising their critical importance in guiding study design and interpretation.By delineating the distinctions between these concepts and exploring their significance across various research studies, the study has underscored the necessity of clear definitions and delineations for the population and target population.It has highlighted their impact on sampling strategies, generalizability of findings, and ethical considerations, emphasising the importance of precision in research methodology.

Sampling Bias
When the population or target population is poorly defined, researchers may inadvertently introduce sampling bias into their studies.

Ethical Concerns
Failure to accurately define the population and target population raises ethical concerns related to the treatment of research participants and the potential for harm.

Figure 1 :
Figure 1: Consequences of poorly defined population and target population

Failure
and target population can undermine the validity and reliability of the research design.Wasted Resources Inadequate definition of the population and target population can lead to the misallocation of resources in research studies.