Alternative energy favored. A Gallup poll finds that, among all Americans, 64% p

Question

Alternative energy favored. A Gallup poll finds that, among all Americans, 64% prefer an emphasis on the development of alternative energy production, such as wind and solar power, to an emphasis on production of traditional fossil fuels. This preference is strongest among young Americans, with older age groups each successively favoring it less. According to the survey methods section, “Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted March 6-9, 2014, with a random sample of 1,048 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Interviews are conducted with respondents on landline telephones and cellular phones. Landline and cellphone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods. Landline respondents are chosen at random within each household on the basis of which member had the most recent birthday.”31 (a)The survey wants the opinion of an individual adult, but a landline phone reaches a household in which several adults may live. In that case, the survey interviewed the adult with the most recent birthday. Why is this preferable to simply interviewing the person who answers the phone? (b)What is the population that this survey wants to describe? Why do you think it is important to include both landline and cellular phones in your sample?

Explanation / Answer

a) It is prefereble to interview the person in a household who had the most recent birthday because her or his age, that is recorded in the survey, would be most accurate. Since age is one of the critical factors being considered in the survey, it is important that it is as accurate as possible

b) The population for the survey is Americans above 18 years of age living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia

c) It is important to include respondents who use either a landline or a cellular phone because it is possible that the demographic profile of people who use landline is different from the demographic profile of people who use cellular phones. Including both in sample ensures that it is representative of the adult American population being considered for the research.

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