The editors of Scientific American are able to obtain a representative sample of their readers in order to assess their attitudes toward preservation of the rain forests in Costa Rica. When interpreting the results of their survey, the editors will be able to __________
A) apply the results to the entire U.S. population.
B) apply the results to Costa Rica.
C) apply the results to subscribers of Scientific American.
D) apply the result to scientists.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sample obtained is a representative sample of the readers of Scientific American, therefore the results can be generalized to subscribers of the magazine. It would not be appropriate to apply the results to the entire U.S. population or to Costa Rica as the sample is not representative of these populations. It would also not be appropriate to apply the results only to scientists, as not all subscribers may be scientists.

The Editors of Scientific American Are Able to Obtain a Representative