If a collection of objects or individuals shares at least one characteristic, what is this entire group referred to as?

The term that describes a collection of objects or individuals that share at least one common characteristic is "population." In statistical and research contexts, a population encompasses all members of a defined group from which samples may be drawn for analysis. This could refer to people, animals, products, or any items being studied under similar conditions or characteristics.

Understanding the concept of a population is fundamental in statistics and quality management, especially in processes where assessing and improving quality or performance is required. It allows for the proper understanding of variability and aids in making informed decisions based on the analysis of samples taken from the entire group. By defining the population clearly, statisticians can apply appropriate sampling methods and analysis techniques to draw meaningful conclusions and drive improvements.

The other terms mentioned do not fit this definition. A parameter typically refers to a specific value that summarizes or describes a characteristic of a population, while a portion refers to a part of the whole but does not necessarily relate to a shared characteristic. A poll generally involves collecting opinions from a subset of individuals and is often used in reference to survey data rather than defining a whole group.