population vs sample

I know I got this wrong on a mock I just took. How would you know to use sample or population when finding variance or STD besides sample size? I think the answer said historical data or all data was present in example? Also, did anyone else also run into the CV/Sharpe question? Where the *&(* did they come up with the risk free rate? I’m sure this was posted, but help with be appreciated. Thanks.

Based on the description… if it say you have all equity returns in the index, then it is the population… if you have a selection of returns from the index, it is a sample…

it they say all data where present its a population

any takers on the CV/Sharpe question?

is that question with the Sharpe at 0.47 and the beta 1.2?

yes map. How did they get that?