Question

Vacuum cleaner companies often distribute advertisements that promote the amazing cleaning powers of their particular model of vacuum cleaner. For example, some ads show vacuum cleaners picking up heavy objects such as nails, bolts, or ball bearings. However, an advertisement that each of us has received in the mail many times seems to top them all by showing that the compact version of a particular canister vacuum can pick up a 16-lb. bowling ball! We are not necessarily disputing this manufacturer’s claim. However, as skeptical consumers (and even more skeptical scientists), we would like to know more before we decide that this vacuum is one of the best on the market. For the purposes of this exercise, we would like you to assume that the compact canister vacuums produced by this particular company really can pick up a 16-lb. bowling ball (as we believe they can). However, even if you make this assumption, it is still possible to criticize this specific demonstration of the superior performance of this vacuum.

1.What are your criticisms? Explain why. As a clue, a consideration of three basic forms of validity suggests a different methodological critique of this claim (and a way of improving the demonstration).

Answer 1

First of all, the purpose of a Vacuum Cleaner is to Clean. I hardly picture myself in position lifting 16lb of weight using a Vacuum Cleaner. My doubts will be regarding:

1. How well does the cleaner clean and to what extent? Does it clean all types of dirt and reach difficult areas for cleaning?

2. Is the cleaner safe for usage? I may be prone to short circuit and electric shocks.

3. What is the longevity of the cleaner? It may seem to be working fine at first but may degrade in performance soon.

4. Why should I choose the cleaner over similar items in the market? Is it cost effective? Does it perform better compared to others?

The Content Validity of the product should be justified. While using a Vacuum Cleaner, I need to know whether it cleans dust, liquid, webs, animal fur, grains, etc. I do not need to know whether it lifts a bowling ball. I can lift it on my own. I would need to know the extents to which it cleans and what positions it reaches and how much is its storage capacity.

The Concurrent Validity should also be tested in realistic conditions. I would like to know the efficiency of the cleaner as compared to other cleaners before going for it. I need to know its longevity and safety limits as compared to other such cleaners in the market. They can provide live demonstrations to let people know of how it actually works and not just how its portrayed to work.

The Predictive Validity of the cleaner should also be demonstrated for faith and understanding to be established over the buyers. A product may seem to be the best when new, but one should also be aware of how its performance varies with time.