Potential Problems with Sampling

AP Statistics· difficulty 1/5

A radio talk-show host asks listeners to call in and share their opinion on a new highway construction project. Of the 412 listeners who called, 78% opposed the project. The host concludes that most residents in the listening area oppose the project.

What is the most serious problem with this conclusion?

  • A

    Voluntary response bias

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  • B

    Undercoverage bias

  • C

    Nonresponse bias

  • D

    Response bias from question wording

Explanation

People who choose to call in tend to feel strongly (often negatively) about an issue, so the sample over-represents people with strong opinions. This is voluntary response bias.

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