Question

some people responded to this request: \dial 1-900-pro-life to participate in a telephone poll on abortion. ($2.45 per minute. average call: 1 minute. you must be 18 years old.)\ identify the (a) sample and (b) population, then determine whether the sample is likely to be representative of the population.

a. identify the sample. choose the correct answer below.
a. the sample is a non-randomly selected group from all individuals who responded.
b. the sample is all individuals who know about abortion and were at least 18 years of age.
c. the sample is a randomly selected group from all individuals who responded.
d. the sample is all individuals who responded.

b. identify the population. choose the correct answer below.
a. the population is all individuals who know about the poll.
b. the population is all individuals regardless of their age.
c. the population is all individuals who are at least 18 years of age.
d. the population is all individuals with opinions about the abortion issue.

is the sample likely to be representative of the population?
a. no, the sample is not likely to be representative of the population because not all individuals within the population are likely to respond.

Explanation:

⚡ Using what you learned: Population vs. Sample · 🆕 New: Voluntary Response Bias
People choose whether to participate

Step 1: Identify the Sample

The sample is the specific group of individuals from whom data is actually collected. In this scenario, a call-in poll was advertised, and only those who chose to call the number participated.

Therefore, the sample consists of all individuals who responded to the poll.

• Correct Choice: D. The sample is all individuals who responded

Step 2: Identify the Population

The population is the entire group of individuals that the study aims to draw conclusions about. Since the poll is about the issue of abortion, the target group of interest is all individuals who hold opinions on this topic.

• Correct Choice: D. The population is all individuals with opinions about the abortion issue

Step 3: Determine Representativeness

This poll relies on voluntary response (individuals must choose to call a number and pay a fee to participate).

• People with strong, highly polarized opinions are much more likely to respond than those with moderate views.
• The cost of the call (\( \$2.40 \) per minute) creates a financial barrier, further biasing the sample.
• Because the sample is self-selected rather than randomly selected, it is highly unlikely to represent the general population.

Therefore, the sample is not likely to be representative of the population because it is a voluntary response sample.

Answer:

• a. Identify the sample: D. The sample is all individuals who responded
• b. Identify the population: D. The population is all individuals with opinions about the abortion issue
• c. Is the sample likely to be representative? No, because it is a voluntary response sample where individuals choose whether to participate, typically over-representing those with strong opinions.