Question

local government officials would like to know if city residents are generally satisfied with the cleanliness of local streets and recreation areas. to estimate the level of satisfaction, city officials appear on a local television morning show, where residents are invited to share their satisfaction through an online poll. which of the following statements best describes the potential results from this poll?

this is a convenience sample and is likely to overestimate the proportion of residents satisfied with the cleanliness of the area.

this is a convenience sample and is likely to underestimate the proportion of residents satisfied with the cleanliness of the area.

this is a voluntary response sample and is likely to overestimate the proportion of residents satisfied with the cleanliness of the area.

this is a voluntary response sample and is likely to underestimate the proportion of residents satisfied with the cleanliness of the area.

Explanation:

1. First, identify the sampling method: Residents are invited to share their satisfaction through an online poll, which is a voluntary response sample (people choose to respond, not randomly selected).
2. Then, consider the bias: Those who are more satisfied (or have strong opinions) are more likely to participate in such a voluntary poll. So, the proportion of satisfied residents in the sample is likely to be higher than the actual population proportion, meaning it overestimates the proportion of satisfied residents.
3. Analyze the options:

• Option 1: Wrong sampling method (not convenience, as convenience is about easy-to-reach groups, not voluntary response).
• Option 2: Wrong sampling method and wrong bias direction.
• Option 3: Correct sampling method (voluntary response) and correct bias (overestimate, as those with positive feelings are more likely to respond).
• Option 4: Wrong bias direction.

Answer:

C. This is a voluntary response sample and is likely to overestimate the proportion of residents satisfied with the cleanliness of the area.