Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan polling organization that provides information about issues, attitudes, and trends shaping America. In a recent poll, Pew researchers found that 47% of American adult respondents reported getting at least some local news on their cell phone or tablet computer (Pew Research website, May 14, 2011). Further findings showed that 42% of respondents who own cell phones or tablet computers use those devices to check local weather reports and 37% use the devices to find local restaurants or other businesses.
a. One statistic concerned using cell phones or tablet computers for local news. What population is that finding applicable to?
b. Another statistic concerned using cell phones or tablet computers to check local weather reports and to find local restaurants. What population is this finding applicable to?
c. Do you think the Pew researchers conducted a census or a sample survey to obtain their results? Why?
d. If you were a restaurant owner, would you find these results interesting? Why? How could you take advantage of this information?