In evaluating the following generalization(s), identify sample, population, attribute of interest, and the extent to which the claims involved are knowable. Consider carefully the size and diversification of the sample and the extent to which the population differs or may differ from the sample; remember, what's important is that the sample be representative.A New York newspaper stopped theatergoers as they exited from a performance of La Tragédie de Carmen and asked them whether they thought that Broadway theater was better or worse than it was ten years ago. When the majority of the respondents answered that they thought it was worse, the paper printed an article with the headline "Public Thinks Broadway Is Going Downhill." Does the poll justify the headline?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

No. "Public" is misleading, since it could be taken to refer to the general public and not just the theatergoing public. More important, the poll is highly biased in at least two ways: it may be that the production mentioned does not draw a typical theater audience, and hence the sample may be biased; and the effects of the performance attended may bias an individual respondent (whether he liked this particular performance may have unduly influenced his answer).