Question 1.15

1.15 What is the population? For each of the following sampling situations, identify the population as exactly as possible. That is, say what kind of individuals the population consists of and say exactly which individuals fall in the population. If the information given is not sufficient, complete the description of the population in a reasonable way.

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  1. (a) A sociologist is interested in determining what proportion of teens believe the drinking age should be lowered to 18 in all the states. She selects a sample of five high schools in a large city and interviews all 12th-graders in each of the schools.

  2. (b) A medical researcher is interested in the rate of dementia among former NFL football players. From a list of living, former players he selects a sample of 20 and interviews them to determine if signs of dementia are present.

  3. (c) The host of a local radio talk show wonders if people who are actively religious are more likely to trust their neighbors than those who are not. The station receives calls from 51 listeners who voice their opinions.