Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisMediumWhy a survey's sample cannot be generalised
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
A gym wants to know whether all its members would use longer opening hours in the early morning. It surveys the members who are present at 6 a.m. on one weekday, and 90% say yes. Which of the following best explains why the result cannot be generalised to all the gym's members?
- A. The members surveyed were those already using the gym early, so they are not representative of all members.Correct
- B. The sample was too small to draw any conclusion.
- C. The question asked was too vague to answer.
- D. Members who answered a survey are likely to have lied.
Answer: A. The members surveyed were those already using the gym early, so they are not representative of all members.
People at the gym at 6 a.m. are exactly those most likely to want early hours; they don't represent members who come at other times.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. The sample was too small to draw any conclusion.
- Size is not the stated problem; even a large sample of 6 a.m. attenders would be biased.
- C. The question asked was too vague to answer.
- The question is clear.
- D. Members who answered a survey are likely to have lied.
- There is no basis for assuming dishonesty.
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