Michael Mncedisi Willie, Golden Ratio of Social Science and Education, Vol.4, Issue.

1 (2024)

https://doi.org/10.52970/grsse.v4i1.405

Website: https://goldenratio.id/index.php/grsse/index ISSN [Online] 27975827

SOCIAL SCIENCE AND EDUCATION | RESEARCH ARTICLE

Population and Target Population in Research

Methodology
Michael Mncedisi Willie*
1
Council for Medical Schemes, Pretoria, South Africa. Email: [email protected]

Abstract: This paper thoroughly explores the foundational principles governing population
and target population concepts within research methodology. It delves into the essential roles
these concepts play in shaping the design and influencing the interpretation of research studies.
Through an exhaustive analysis, it meticulously outlines the nuances that differentiate these two
concepts, elucidating their respective contributions and implications across diverse research
paradigms. Moreover, this paper underscores the importance of establishing clear definitions and
Received: December 13, 2023 boundaries for both the population and the target population. It emphasises how such precision
Revised: April 22, 2024 is indispensable in guiding the formulation of effective sampling strategies, which are pivotal for
Accepted: April 24, 2024 ensuring the accuracy and reliability of study outcomes. Furthermore, it sheds light on how the
clarity in defining these concepts significantly impacts the generalizability of research findings,
*Corresponding author: Michael elucidating how findings derived from a well-defined target population can be more confidently
Mncedisi Willie, Council for Medical extrapolated to broader populations. In addition to methodological considerations, this paper
Schemes, Pretoria, South Africa. investigates the ethical dimensions inherent in delineating population and target population. It
underscores the moral imperative of accurately representing the groups under study, particularly
E-mail: [email protected] ensuring equitable access to research participation and safeguarding against potential biases.

Keywords: Population, Target Population, Research Methodology, Sampling Strategies,

Generalizability, Study Design, Ethical Considerations.

1. 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.

2. 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

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Michael Mncedisi Willie, Golden Ratio of Social Science and Education, Vol.4, Issue.1 (2024)

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Website: https://goldenratio.id/index.php/grsse/index ISSN [Online] 27975827

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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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Table 1. Example of Population and Target Population by Type of Study

Target Target Population
Study Type Population Example
Population Example
e entire interest A specific
Adults who are Adults aged 18-35
group, including all subgroup within
Descriptive 18 or older live living in urban areas
individuals or the population
Studies in a particular with income below the
elements that meet that is the focus
city. poverty line
the study criteria. of the study.
e group of e subset of the
individuals or population that is Students enrolled in a
elements from eligible and All students specific course are
Experimental
which the sample is willing to enrolled in a willing to participate in
Studies
drawn and to which participate in the university. a study investigating
the findings will be experiment or teaching methods.
generalised intervention
e specific
e broader group
subgroup within
of individuals or
the population Women aged 40-60
elements relevant to Individuals
Qualitative that possesses the diagnosed with breast
the research diagnosed with
Studies qualities or cancer undergoing
question or breast cancer
experiences of treatment
phenomenon of
interest to the
interest
study.
e subset of the All residents of
population that a specific city
e population remains are surveyed Individuals with a
Longitudinal under study over consistent or annually for history of
Studies multiple time relevant to the changes in cardiovascular disease
points or periods research question health tracked over time.
throughout the behavioural
study patterns
Sources: Banerjee & Chaudhury, 2010; Leedy & Ormrod, 2014; Neuman, 2014; Creswell & Creswell, 2017.

6. 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.

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Michael Mncedisi Willie, Golden Ratio of Social Science and Education, Vol.4, Issue.1 (2024)

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Website: https://goldenratio.id/index.php/grsse/index ISSN [Online] 27975827

Sampling Bias
Lack of Generalizability
When the population or target population
Failure to clearly define the population
is poorly defined, researchers may
and target population can compromise the
inadvertently introduce sampling bias into
generalizability of research findings
their studies.

Misinterpretation of Findings Inadequate Research Design

Ambiguity surrounding the population
and target population can lead to
misinterpretations of research findings. Poorly defined population and target
Researchers may mistakenly generalize population can undermine the validity and
findings to reliability of the research design.

Ethical Concerns
Wasted Resources
Failure to accurately define the population
Inadequate definition of the population
and target population raises ethical
and target population can lead to the
concerns related to the treatment of
misallocation of resources in research
research participants and the potential for
studies.
harm.

Figure 1: Consequences of poorly defined population and target population

7. 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.

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Website: https://goldenratio.id/index.php/grsse/index ISSN [Online] 27975827

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