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Comnent on each of the following as a potential sample survey question. Is the question clear? Is it slanted toward a desired response? (a) "Some cell phone users luve developed brain cancer. Should all cell phones come with a warning label explaining the danger of using cell phones?" (b) "Do you agree that a national system of health insurance should be favored because it would provide health insurance for everyone and would reduce administrative costs?" (c) "In view of escalating environmental degradation and incipient resource depletion, would you favor economic incentives for recycling of resourceintensive consumer goods?"

Short Answer

Expert verified
All questions are unclear and slanted, implying desired responses.

Step by step solution

01

Analyzing Question (a)

This question implies a causal relationship between cell phone usage and brain cancer, which may not be scientifically supported. The language is emotionally charged, potentially leading to biased responses. Therefore, the question is not clear and is slanted towards a response that is in favor of warning labels on cell phones.
02

Evaluating Question (b)

This question presumes that a national system of health insurance would automatically have the advantages listed, which might not be agreed upon by all respondents. The leading language like 'should be favored' suggests the question is slanted towards a positive response. The question could be clearer and more neutral to avoid bias.
03

Critique of Question (c)

The question uses complex language with terms like 'escalating environmental degradation' and 'incipient resource depletion', which might confuse respondents. It also implies a certain urgency and necessity for action, possibly slanting the response towards agreement with economic incentives. The question could be simplified and neutralized to enhance clarity and reduce bias.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Bias in Survey Questions
Creating effective survey questions is essential. However, bias can significantly distort the results. Bias in survey questions happens when the question subtly influences the respondent's answer. This might occur through words or phrases that emotionally charge the question or suggest a particular response as more desirable.
Consider Question (a) from our example, which implies cell phone usage leads to brain cancer. A statement like this may not be grounded in scientific evidence, yet it can provoke fear and sway responses.
To avoid bias, survey designers should ensure questions are based on factual information and free from emotionally laden language.
  • Use neutral language.
  • Avoid assumptions.
  • Present balanced information.
Survey Question Clarity
When crafting survey questions, clarity is crucial. If a question is unclear, respondents might interpret it differently, leading to unreliable data. Clear survey questions are straightforward, using language familiar to a diverse audience.
Take Question (c) as an example. It includes phrases like 'escalating environmental degradation' and 'incipient resource depletion,' which might not be easily understood by everyone.
For clarity, replace technical terms with simple, universally understood words.
  • Keep it simple.
  • Avoid jargon.
  • Provide context if necessary.
Leading Questions in Surveys
Leading questions prompt respondents towards a particular answer. They can steer the response in a way that supports a preconceived conclusion or agenda.
Observe Question (b): it suggests that national health insurance would lead to positive outcomes, such as reduced costs. The phrase ‘should be favored’ naturally guides respondents toward agreement.
To eliminate leading influence, rephrase questions to be open-ended and neutral.
  • Allow for multiple perspectives.
  • Ask straightforward questions.
  • Encourage genuine responses.

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