Survey exposs. Many surveys are conducted on different social, political, and lifestyle issues in order to predict

Survey exposés. Many surveys are conducted on different social, political, and lifestyle issues in order to predict events, identify choices, etc. However, the results obtained from these surveys are often incorrect. It may be that the surveys are conducted by special interest groups with specific objectives in mind, or it may be that the survey data were not collected properly. Here are a few such survey results. (Actual facts are given in parentheses.)

Delhi assembly poll 2015: An ABP Nielsen survey predicted about 39 seats for the Aam Aadmi Party, and 28 seats for the Bharatiya Janata Party. (Fact: The AAP got 67 seats and the BJP, 3 seats.)

Colgate Recommendations by Dentists: Colgate claimed that 80% of all dentists recommended their brand, making it seem that only 20% of dentists recommended some other brand. (Fact: The dentists were allowed to recommend more than one brand. Hence other brands were also equally recommended.)

New Seven Wonders of the World: The seven new wonders were announced on July 7, 2007 based on more than 100 million global votes that were submitted through the internet and over the telephone over several years.

They were the Pyramids of Giza (honorary), Great Wall of China (China), Petra (Jordan), Colosseum (Italy), Chichén Itzá (Mexico), Machu Picchu (Peru), Taj Mahal

(India), and Christ the Redeemer (Brazil). (Fact: The survey did not include traditional wonders such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.)

Global Dietary Survey: A survey commissioned by The Global Nutrition and Health Alliance suggests that 72%

people in Germany and UK have good dietary habits.

(Fact: There remains a huge amount of confusion about what our food actually contains, which foods are good sources of specific nutrients, and why we need specific nutrients.)

a. Refer to the Delhi Assembly Poll study for the prediction of election results in the 2015 elections. What data collection method would you recommend?

b. Refer to the Colgate Recommendations by Dentists claim. Discuss why it is unethical to report the results as stated.

c. Refer to New Seven Wonders of the World study. What do you think is wrong with the survey with such a huge set of respondents?

d. Refer to the Global Dietary Survey. What do you think is the cause behind such misinformation?