What Is a Population of Interest?
In statistics, research, and public policy, the population of interest (also called the target population) refers to the specific group of individuals or items about which researchers want to draw conclusions.
This group is defined by shared characteristics such as age, location, health status, behavior, or socioeconomic factors—depending on the study's goals.
Why It Matters
- Ensures relevance and accuracy in data collection
- Guides sampling strategies (e.g., random, stratified)
- Helps avoid bias and improve generalizability of results
- Informs public health interventions, marketing campaigns, and policy design
Common Examples
- Medical Research: Adults aged 50+ with hypertension in urban areas.
- Education Policy: High school students in rural districts receiving free lunch.
- Market Research: Smartphone users aged 18–34 who stream music daily.
- Environmental Study: Residents living within 5 km of an industrial zone.
Did You Know? Misdefining the population of interest is one of the leading causes of flawed research outcomes. A precise definition ensures that findings truly reflect the group you aim to understand or serve.
How Researchers Identify It
Defining a population of interest involves answering key questions:
- Who or what are we studying?
- What are the inclusion and exclusion criteria?
- Is the population accessible for data collection?
- Can results from this group inform broader decisions?