16Hit1600
Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasy–MediumSpotting a leading question

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A town council wants an unbiased estimate of residents' views on a proposed stadium. Which survey question is most likely to produce biased responses?

  1. A. 'Do you agree that the overpriced new stadium should be cancelled?'Correct
  2. B. 'Do you support or oppose the proposed stadium?'
  3. C. 'How would you rate the proposed stadium on a scale from strongly oppose to strongly support?'
  4. D. 'Should the council build the proposed stadium? Yes or no.'

Answer: A. 'Do you agree that the overpriced new stadium should be cancelled?'

'Overpriced' and 'do you agree' push respondents toward one answer. A leading question like this biases the responses.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 'Do you support or oppose the proposed stadium?'
This gives both options neutrally.
C. 'How would you rate the proposed stadium on a scale from strongly oppose to strongly support?'
A balanced scale with no loaded words.
D. 'Should the council build the proposed stadium? Yes or no.'
A plain yes/no question with no judgement built in.

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