Question 3 • Probability and Statistics with Applications Honors Sem-1-FL-1210300 (2024-2025)
Many delivery trucks feature a "How Am I Driving?” sticker on the rear bumper, along with a phone number. This sticker allows drivers to report erratic driving by the truck driver or offer a compliment if they like. A dispatcher at the trucking station accepts calls and records information from those who call the phone number. The dispatcher reports that in the past month, 218 calls were received. Of those calls, 178 reported negative driving behaviors by the truck drivers. How might this data-collection method produce bias in obtaining an estimate of all drivers who are satisfied with the company’s truck drivers?
Answer
A
This sample may lead to nonresponse bias because many drivers may not call the phone number.
B
This sample may lead to undercoverage bias because some drivers will be more likely to be included in the sample.
C
The sample may lead to response bias because some who call the phone number may not provide a truthful opinion.
D
This sample may lead to voluntary response bias because drivers can choose to call the phone number and register an opinion.
Explanation
This is voluntary response bias because drivers decide for themselves whether to call and share an opinion. People with especially strong feelings—such as those who are very dissatisfied—may be more likely to call than drivers who are satisfied or indifferent. Therefore, the callers may not represent all drivers’ opinions. The correct choice is “voluntary response bias because drivers can choose to call the phone number and register an opinion.”
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