Twenty college students were asked for their number of close friends; persons who showed sympathy when needed and in hard times. the average number reported was just over 2. identify a statistical population and the sample. the sample consists of the answers of all college students when asked their number of close friends. the statistical population is the answers given by the twenty college students. the statistical population consists of the answers of all college students when asked their number of close friends. the sample is the answers given by the twenty college students. the statistical population consists of all college students. the sample is the answers given by the twenty college students.