Discussion Post:
This week, you’ve read about Surveys and Observations (Ch. 6). I’ve linked a few Buzzfeed surveys below. Go through at least two and consider the validity of each survey. Make sure you discuss two surveys.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/morgansloss1/party-foods-quiz (Links to an external site.)
https://www.buzzfeed.com/audreyworboys/if-you-get-810-general-knowledge-quiz-youre-smart?bfsource=bfocompareon (Links to an external site.)
https://www.buzzfeed.com/sydrobinson1/scientific-spelling-quiz-ology (Links to an external site.)
Some things to think about are:
1. Think about the construct validity of the questions in each of the surveys. Is the wording clear or confusing? Are any questions double-barreled? Do any contain double negatives? Are the response options meaningful and clear?
2. Now, think about the external validity of the surveys. Is the sample likely to be self-selected? If so, what do you think might be the characteristics of the people who self-select to take this poll? If you do not think it is self-selected, why not?
