16Hit1600
Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisMediumWho a daytime phone survey misses

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A survey is conducted by calling home landline numbers between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays. Which group is most likely to be UNDER-represented in the responses?

  1. A. People who are away from home at work during the day.Correct
  2. B. Retired people.
  3. C. People who have a landline phone.
  4. D. People who are usually at home in the early afternoon.

Answer: A. People who are away from home at work during the day.

Only people at home in the early afternoon can answer, so those at work then are systematically missed.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Retired people.
Retired people are more likely to be home, so they are OVER-represented.
C. People who have a landline phone.
Having a landline is required to be reached at all; these people are included.
D. People who are usually at home in the early afternoon.
People at home in the afternoon are exactly who gets reached.

More Problem-Solving and Data Analysis questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.