Question 25

Measurement bias is a problem in this survey.

The survey's design inherently biases responses by only sampling individuals from California, which may lead to skewed results favoring Amusement Park W since respondents are not representative of the broader population that includes opinions about Amusement Park X.

A) Systematic error

Systematic error refers to a consistent, repeatable error associated with faulty equipment or flawed experimental design. While this survey has design flaws, the primary issue is not a consistent error but rather the bias introduced by the selection of respondents, making this option incorrect.

B) Measurement bias

Measurement bias occurs when the method of data collection results in a systematic error in the measurement of the data. In this case, the survey exclusively targets California residents, creating a bias towards Amusement Park W and failing to accurately represent opinions about both parks, confirming that this is the correct answer.

C) Information bias

Information bias generally involves inaccuracies in the data collected, such as misreporting or misunderstanding questions. Although the survey may have issues with how questions are framed, the primary concern is the biased sample rather than inaccuracies in the responses themselves, making this option incorrect.

D) Random error

Random error refers to variability in the data that arises by chance and does not consistently skew results in a particular direction. Since the issue here is not random variability but a systematic sampling bias, this choice does not apply to the situation.

Conclusion

Measurement bias is the definitive issue in this survey as it affects the validity of the findings by not including a representative population. All other options fail to address the core problem, which is the biased sample from California that skews the comparison between the two amusement parks.