Emily grew up in Boston and is now attending college there.She often notices clusters of people smoking outside of office buildings as she walks to class.Which of the following sources would provide the most reliable information regarding the prevalence of smoking in Boston?
A)A detailed personal study of the history of her extended family
B)Interviews with her classmates and professors
C)A review of her professor's behavioral statistics study drawn from census data
D)Observations of campus fraternity and sorority life

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The review of a behavioral statistics study drawn from census data would provide the most reliable information regarding the prevalence of smoking in Boston as it would be based on a large sample size and data collected using standardized methods. A personal study of her extended family, interviews with classmates and professors, and observations of campus fraternity and sorority life would not provide a representative sample of the population of Boston.

Emily Grew Up in Boston and Is Now Attending College