Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasy–MediumFlaw in a self-selected phone-in poll
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
A radio station asks listeners to phone in to say whether they support a new tax. Of 1,200 callers, 70% oppose it. Which of the following is the best reason the result may not reflect the views of all listeners?
- A. People who feel strongly, especially those opposed, are more likely to phone in than others.Correct
- B. 1,200 is too few people for any survey.
- C. Radio listeners cannot have views on taxes.
- D. The question was about a tax.
Answer: A. People who feel strongly, especially those opposed, are more likely to phone in than others.
Callers choose themselves, so the sample is biased toward strong feelings.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. 1,200 is too few people for any survey.
- 1,200 is plenty if the sample were random.
- C. Radio listeners cannot have views on taxes.
- Absurd.
- D. The question was about a tax.
- The topic is not the flaw.
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