Evaluate the following generalization(s), identifying 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.Haslett wanted to know what percentage of students at his college vote in local elections. He asked each of his professors (he was a political science major) to ask for a show of hands in his classes, so he could make a count. He found that 45 percent of the 120 classmates polled vote in local elections. He concludes that about 45 percent of the students at his college vote in those elections.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The sample is large enough to be somewhat reliable, although Haslett should not be surprised by a substantial deviation from his 45 percent projection. A more serious problem is that Haslett's poll may have been taken in political science classes (or at least mainly in political science classes) and that people who take such classes may be more interested in political matters and hence more likely to vote in any election. The possibility of bias is substantial.