EXAMPLE 3.29

The form of the question is important. In response to the question “Are you heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual?” in a social science research survey, one woman answered, “It’s just me and my husband, so bisexual.” The issue is serious, even if the example seems silly: reporting about sexual behavior is difficult because people understand and misunderstand sexual terms in many ways.

How do Americans feel about government help for the poor? Only 13% think we are spending too much on “assistance to the poor,” but 44% think we are spending too much on “welfare.” How do the Scots feel about the movement to become independent from England? Well, 51% would vote for “independence for Scotland,” but only 34% support “an independent Scotland separate from the United Kingdom.” It seems that “assistance to the poor” and “independence” are nice, hopeful words. “Welfare” and “separate” are negative words.²³