Explain the importance of establishing a population when drawing a sample.

Establishing a population is important when drawing a sample because it helps to ensure that the sample is representative of the larger group from which it is drawn. The population is the entire group of individuals or items that the researcher is interested in studying, and the sample is a smaller subset of that population that is selected for the study.

By clearly defining the population, researchers can ensure that the sample accurately reflects the characteristics and diversity of the larger group. This is important because it allows for generalization of the findings from the sample to the population as a whole. Without a well-defined population, the sample may not accurately represent the larger group, leading to biased or unreliable results.

Additionally, establishing a population helps researchers to determine the appropriate sampling methods and techniques to use. Different populations may require different sampling strategies in order to obtain a representative sample. By understanding the population, researchers can select the most appropriate sampling method to ensure the validity and reliability of their findings.

In summary, establishing a population when drawing a sample is crucial for ensuring that the sample accurately represents the larger group, allowing for generalization of findings, and guiding the selection of appropriate sampling methods. This ultimately leads to more reliable and valid research results.