Potential sources of error associated with different surveys

 

Discuss what potential sources of error might be associated with the following surveys:

  • In a survey of frequent fliers ages 50 and older, researchers concluded that price does not play a significant role in airline travel because only 25% of the respondents check off price as the most important consideration in determining where and how they travel, while 35% rated price as unimportant.
  • Researchers who must conduct a 45-minute personal interview decide that they will offer $25 to each respondent because they believe that people who will sell their opinions are more typical than someone who will talk to a stranger for 45 minutes.
  • A survey comes with a water hardness packet to test the hardness of the water in a respondents home. The packet includes a color chart and a plastic strip to dip into hot water.  The respondent is given instruction in six steps on how to compare the color of the plastic strip with the color chart that indicates water hardness.