Can you define the population of the group you are studying or researching? What are the characteristics of this population? What separates this population from another population? If you can answer these questions, then you are on your way to defining the population for your research study. Other questions to consider include:

• Why did you chose this population to be the focus of your study?
• What information sources (e.g., web sites, reference materials) lead you to consider this particular population to be the focus of your study?
• What personal experiences (e.g., personal contact, a friend) lead you to consider this particular population to be the focus of your study?