American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

In statistical terms, what does a 'population' commonly encompass?

1. Just the most recent data points

2. Only responses to a survey

3. All individuals or items in a group

4. A specific number of samples taken from the total

The correct answer is: All individuals or items in a group

A 'population' in statistical terms refers to all individuals or items that belong to a particular group being studied. This could encompass every member of a specific category or demographic that is relevant to the analysis. For example, if a study is examining the voting behavior of adult citizens in a country, the population would include every adult citizen, not just a subset or sample of them. This concept is crucial in research to ensure that findings are applicable to the entire group being studied, rather than limited to a portion. When the entire population is analyzed, it provides a complete picture and can lead to more accurate conclusions and decisions based on that data. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the definition of a population. The first option, which refers to just the most recent data points, suggests a very narrow focus that misses the broader context. The second option, which mentions only responses to a survey, limits the analysis to specific data collected, again excluding those who did not respond. The fourth option, discussing a specific number of samples taken from the total, implies a sampling method rather than considering the complete population.