Question

determine whether the given source has the potential to create a bias in a statistical study. the american automobile association (aaa) is a not - for - profit federation of motor clubs that provides automotive and travel services. aaa conducts a survey of its members about their use of public transportation versus private automobiles. choose the correct answer below. a. there does not appear to be a potential to create a bias. the organization is reputable and has many professional and credible members. b. there does not appear to be a potential to create a bias. the organization would not gain from putting spin on the results. c. there does appear to be a potential to create a bias. there is an incentive to produce results that are in line with preferring private automobiles. d. there does appear to be a potential to create a bias. there is an incentive to make the results statistically insignificant.

Explanation:

The AAA is a federation of motor clubs that provides automotive services. When it conducts a survey of its members about public vs private transportation, its members likely have a preference for private automobiles (since they are motor club members). This creates an incentive for AAA to produce results favoring private automobiles, leading to potential bias. Option A says no potential bias (wrong, as incentive exists). Option B says no bias and no gain from spin (wrong, as there is incentive). Option D mentions statistical insignificance which is not relevant here. Option C correctly identifies the potential bias and the incentive to favor private automobiles.

Answer:

C. There does appear to be a potential to create a bias. There is an incentive to produce results that are in line with preferring private automobiles.