In a research study, the group of participants studied is called the ____ and the larger group to which results are generalized is called the ____.

In a research study, the group of participants studied is called the ____ and the larger group to which results are generalized is called the ____.

• A. Sample, Population
• B. Statistic, Sample
• C. Population, Sample
• D. Parameter, Population

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is the distinction between the group you actually study and the group you want to draw conclusions about. The group studied is the sample, a subset drawn from the larger group called the population—the group to which you generalize your results. Data from the sample are used to estimate characteristics of the population, with population parameters being the true values and sample statistics being the calculated values from the data you collected. That makes the correct pairing: sample for the studied group and population for the generalized group. The other options mix up these concepts, such as using a statistic or parameter to name the group itself or reversing the roles of sample and population.

The key idea here is the distinction between the group you actually study and the group you want to draw conclusions about. The group studied is the sample, a subset drawn from the larger group called the population—the group to which you generalize your results. Data from the sample are used to estimate characteristics of the population, with population parameters being the true values and sample statistics being the calculated values from the data you collected. That makes the correct pairing: sample for the studied group and population for the generalized group. The other options mix up these concepts, such as using a statistic or parameter to name the group itself or reversing the roles of sample and population.