Question

1. what indicates whether poll results reflect a real trend rather than chance?

a. sample size
b. response rate
c. statistical significance
d. margin of error

Explanation:

• Option a: Sample size relates to the number of participants, not directly to whether results reflect a real trend vs. chance.
• Option b: Response rate is about the proportion of people who responded, not about trend vs. chance.
• Option c: Statistical significance is the measure that tells us if results are likely due to a real trend (not chance). It assesses the probability that the observed results are not due to random variation.
• Option d: Margin of error shows the range within which the true value is likely to fall, not about distinguishing real trend from chance.

Answer:

c. Statistical significance