Question

several studies showed that after drinking an energy drink, subjects had increased performance when running a marathon. a beverage company financed this research. identify what is wrong. choose the correct answer below. a. the data used in the studies is not reliable because it was not measured by the administrator. b. since the research is composed of voluntary response samples, there may be key data points missing. c. it is not possible to take accurate measurements. d. it is questionable that the sponsor is a beverage company because this sponsor can be greatly affected by the conclusion.

Explanation:

When a research study is sponsored by a company that has a vested interest in the outcome (like a beverage company sponsoring a study on energy drink performance), there is a potential for bias. The sponsor's financial interests could influence the research design, data interpretation, or reporting to favor results that benefit the company. Option A is incorrect as there's no indication the data was measured by an administrator affecting reliability. Option B is incorrect as voluntary response samples relate to self - selection, not key data points missing in this context. Option C is incorrect as accurate measurements are possible in such studies. Option D correctly identifies the conflict of interest due to the sponsor being a beverage company.

Answer:

D. It is questionable that the sponsor is a beverage company because this sponsor can be greatly affected by the conclusion.