Student examples of Biased Questions
Students in W50 were asked to design a pair of questions that related to
the same issue, but for which one or both would bias answers in a particular
direction. In order to test out how well their biased questiosn "worked",
they asked the qeustions to 20 people, randomly deciding who got which
question. The questions and results are shown below:
- Gun Control (M. Higham)
- Do you agree or disagree with this statement: "There is a need for
stricter gun laws."
-
Many people have said that there is a need for stricter laws on
dangerous weapons. Do you agree?
-
Dealing with Violent Crime (M. Higham)
-
What, in your view, is the best way to reduce violent crime in the
U.S.: a) reduce the number of guns sold in the U.S. b) increase
penalties for violent criminals
-
Should we reduce violent crime by getting guns off the streets, or
should we just lock people up longer?
- Has violent crime increased? (M. Higham)
-
Do you think incidences of violent crime have increased in the =
past decade, do you think they have decreased, or have they stayed about =
the same?
-
Because of the Columbine tragedy and other shootings, many people =
feel that violent crime is worse today than it was 10 years ago. Do you =
agree?
- Gun Control (C. Cooke)
-
With all the gang killings and domestic despuits ending with gun fire, do
you think there should be legislation passed to hinder gun ownership?
(6 agreed; 4 disagreed)
-
The second ammendment guarontees citizens the right to bear arms, should
this right be comprimised by legislation in the twentyfirst century?
(1 Yes; 9 No)
- Smoking (R. Lieb)
-
Smoking is ok as long as you don't smoke around people that mind Right?
- Drinking (M. Cooke)
-
Do you agree that drinking is ok as long as you are of age and that you
don't get drunk? (agree=8; disagree=2)
-
Do you think drinking is good or bad? (agree=6; disagree=4)
- Abortion (J. Hwang)
-
Do you think that it is ok to get an abortion if it is the only way to
save the mother's life? (agree=9; disagree=1)
-
Do you think abortion is good or bad? (good=3; bad=7)
- Smoking (T. Paauw)
-
Should people have the right to smoke? (yes=9; no=1)
-
Since cigarettes are dangerous and have deadly side effects
such as cancer wouldn't you agree that smoking should be controlled to
save the lives of many? (yes=7; no=3)
-
Calvin food (R. Potgeter)
-
Do you agree or disagree that Calvin serves good food? (Agree=3; Disagree=7)
-
Do you agree when Chaplain Cooper says that Calvin serves good food?
(Agree=2; Disagree=8)
- Amount of Homework (R. Potgeter)
-
Do you agree or disagree that Calvins professors assign an average
amount of homework? (Agree=2; Disagree=8)
-
Do you agree with the National College Study Program which says that
Calvin assigns an average amount of homework for the college student?
(Agree=6; Disagree=4)
- Bathroom Size (R. Potgeter)
-
Do you agree or disagree that Calvin has big enough bathrooms?
(Agree=5; Disagree=5)
-
Do you agree with the National Students Rights Poll which says that
Calvin has big enough bathrooms? (Agree=9; Disagree=1)
Back to Math W50 Home Page
This page maintained by:
Randall Pruim
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Calvin College
rpruim@calvin.edu
Last Modified:
Thursday, 11-Jan-2001 16:02:18 EST