Question

Wording bias Comment on each of the following as a potential sample survey question.

Is the question clear? Is it slanted toward a desired response?

a. “Some cell phone users have developed brain cancer. Should all cell phones come with

a warning label explaining the danger of using cell phones?”

b. “Do you agree that a national system of health insurance should be favored because it

would provide health insurance for everyone and would reduce administrative costs?”

c. “In view of escalating environmental degradation and incipient resource depletion,

would you favor economic incentives for recycling of resource–intensive consumer

goods?”

Short answer

a. The given question is straightforward so we can say that the question is clear.

b. The given question is straightforward so we can say that the question is clear.

c. The given question is not straightforward due to complex language so it is not clear.

Step-by-step solution

Part(a) Step 1: Given information

We need to identify that whether the given question is clear or not.

Part(a) Step 2: Explanation

The given question is straightforward so we can say that the question is clear and the question is somewhat slanted in favor of warning labels.

Part(b) Step 1: Given information

We need to identify that whether the given question is clear or not.

Part(b) Step 2: Explanation

The given question is straightforward so we can say that the question is clear, but it is clearly slanted in favor of national health insurance by asserting it would reduce administrative costs

Part(c) Step 1: Given information

We need to identify that whether the given question is clear or not.

Part(c) Step 2: Explanation

By utilising simpler language, the question might be made clearer so we can say that the given question is not clear and by beginning with a discussion of environmental damage, it is tilted in favour of incentives.