ADDRESSING BIAS

*NOTE: This is only selected portions of the actual worksheet.

1. 1. Discuss the reliability and validity of the following surveys:
   • A polling company wants to determine the percent of Canadians who would take part in Internet dating. The company randomly selects 1000 phone numbers from across Canada, calls these numbers, and asks the first person who answers the phone the following question, "Would you make use of an Internet dating service?"
   • The principal of a school needs to plan for bussing for the following year. She has every teacher distribute a questionnaire to every student in his/her grade 10 and 11 class. The questionnaire asks, "Will you need to take the bus to school next year? Check yes or no." The teacher is to collect the survey from each student and then turn the surveys over to the principal.


2. 2.Identify the type(s) of bias that would influence the results of the following surveys.
   • You like watching hockey on television. You want to know how many other people your age like to take part in the same activity. You survey all of your friends.
   • A municipal government sends out a questionnaire to all the homes in its town. It asks, "It has been proven that having a community watch group in your neighbourhood lowers the crime rate. Would you support having such a group in your community?"


3. 3. The following questions contain response bias. Rewrite them to remove the source of bias.
   • Should students be encouraged to go on to post secondary education since people with only a high school diploma earn lower wages?
   • Cats are free to roam and wreck the gardens of their neighbours. Should a by-law be passed requiring cats to be licensed?
   • Would you like to earn millions while being your own boss?