Question

Do Cat Videos Improve Mood? As part of an "internet cat videos/photos" study, Dr. Jessica Gall Myrick posted an on-line survey to Facebook and Twitter asking a series of questions regarding how individuals felt before and after the last time they watched a cat video on the Internet. \(^{31}\) One of the goals of the study was to determine how watching cat videos affects an individual's energy and emotional state. People were asked to share the link, and everyone who clicked the link and completed the survey was included in the sample. More than 6,000 individuals completed the survey, and the study found that after watching a cat video people generally reported more energy, fewer negative emotions, and more positive emotions. (a) Would this be considered a simple random sample from a target population? Why or why not? (b) Ignoring sampling bias, what other ways could bias have been introduced into this study?

Short answer

(a) This would not be considered a simple random sample from a target population since the participants self-selected to respond to the social media survey. (b) Bias could have been introduced in several ways including selection bias (limited to certain social media users), respondent bias (those with stronger feelings about the topic might be more likely to respond), and self-reporting bias (reliance on personal honesty and self-perception), among others.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Sampling Method

The process described in this study does not elicit a simple random sample from a target population. The individuals who were included in the study were not randomly selected. Instead, they were self-selected by their decision to respond to a social media post and complete the survey.

Explain the Significance of Sampling Method

The sampling method used might not accurately reflect the full diversity of the target population because it is limited to those who saw the post and chose to respond. It is likely to be biased towards individuals who had a particular interest in the topic, who are active on social media where the survey was posted, or who had the time and inclination to complete the survey.

Identify Potential Bias

Potential bias could be introduced into this study in several ways. First, selection bias could occur because the survey was posted to specific social media sites, thereby excluding those who do not use such platforms. Second, respondent bias could occur as those who chose to take the survey are more likely to have stronger feelings about the topic. Third, there might be self-reporting bias since the data relies on individuals' self-perception and honesty about their feelings before and after watching a cat video. Lastly, the study ignores the broader context of the viewer's situation like their general mood or activity when watching the video which can influence their reported feelings.