Question

A survey sponsored by The American Dietetic Association and the agribusiness giant ConAgra found that 53% of office workers take 30 minutes or less for lunch each day. Approximately 37% take 30 to 60 minutes, and 10% take more than an hour.

a. What additional information you want to know before you accepted the results of the survey?

b. Discuss the four types of survey errors in the context of this survey.

Answer 1

Answer:

a) What additional information you want to know before you accepted the results of the survey?

ans:

The following additional information would be required before accepting the results of the survey:

• It is important to get details of the research objective. It is necessary to know the reason for which survey is conducted and the surveyor who conducts the survey.
• The interpretation of survey results become meaningful if the interpretation is done in association with the survey purpose.
• The details the regarding the type of sampling method should be known. If the survey is based on probability or non-probability sample should be known. In case of non-probability sample, if it is convenience sample or judgment sample.
• In convenience method, the selection of sample is easy, convenient and less expensive. Opinions of experts are sort in case of judgment sample.
• One of the disadvantage of non-probability sampling method is that the results may be biased and manipulated.
• In case of probability sample, it is important to know if it is random, stratified, systematic or cluster.
• The reason and process for the selection of the particular method of sampling should be known deriving any survey conclusion.

b) Discuss the four types of survey errors in the context of this survey.

ans:

The four types of survey error in the context of this survey are as follows:

Non-response error:

The number of people who do not respond to survey is not known. The people who do not respond might have the different opinion.

Coverage error:

There might be exclusion of particular group of people while conducting the survey.

Sampling error:

Sampling error is likely to take place as the selected samples from the population are not likely to exhibit all required characteristics.

Measuring error:

There might be difference between the actual and measured value due the particular measurement used.