Asked by Sebastian Santoyo on May 25, 2024

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The Literary Digest poll that predicted Alf Landon would resoundingly win the presidential election when, in fact, Franklin Roosevelt won, was flawed by ____.

A) too small a sample
B) a non-random sample
C) poorly worded questions
D) errors in data analysis

Literary Digest

Literary Digest was a general interest magazine in the United States that published from 1890 until 1938, known for its flawed public opinion poll about the 1936 presidential election.

Non-Random Sample

A sample that is not selected through a random method, potentially leading to biased results due to the method of selection.

  • Grasp the significance of sample selection and the impact of non-random samples on research findings.
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Verified Answer

HR
Hector RodriguezMay 29, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
The Literary Digest poll's major flaw was its reliance on a non-random sample, which led to a biased prediction. The poll primarily reached people through telephone and magazine subscription lists, skewing the sample towards wealthier individuals who were more likely to support Landon.