Local government officials would like to know if city residents are generally satisfied with the cleanliness of local streets and recreation areas. To estimate the level of satisfaction, the officials are considering many methods to collect information. Which of the following methods would not provide a voluntary response sample?
Answer
A
The local officials are guests on a radio talk show, and residents call in to the show to share their opinions.
B
A random sample of homes in the city is taken, and city officials visit these homes and survey the homeowners.
C
The city’s webpage contains a survey where residents can share their opinions.
D
A printed survey is provided in the Sunday newspaper requesting that residents mail in their responses.
Explanation
A voluntary response sample is made up of people who choose on their own to participate, such as callers to a radio show or people who submit an online or mailed survey. In choice B, officials select homes randomly and visit them to conduct the survey, so the sample is not formed by residents volunteering in response to an open invitation. Therefore, the random sample of homes is the method that would not provide a voluntary response sample.
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