Population parameters are numerical values that summarize certain characteristics of a population. These parameters include measures such as the mean, median, mode, variance, and standard deviation. They provide essential information about the entire group being studied, allowing researchers to understand trends and make predictions.
In statistics, population parameters are often contrasted with sample statistics, which are derived from a smaller subset of the population. While sample statistics can provide insights, they may not always accurately reflect the true population parameters. Understanding these concepts is crucial for fields like sociology, economics, and public health, where data-driven decisions are made.