Pubs In England, a Leeds University researcher said that the local watering hole’s welcoming atmosphere helps men get rid of the stresses of modern life and is vital for their psychological well-being. Author of the report, Dr. Colin Gill, said rather than complain, women should encourage men to “pop out for a swift half.” “Pub-time allows men to bond with friends and colleagues,” he said. “Men need break-out time as much as women and are mentally healthier for it.” Gill added that men might feel unfulfilled or empty if they had not been to the pub for a week. The report, commissioned by alcohol-free beer brand Kaliber, surveyed 900 men on their reasons for going to the pub. More than 40% said they went for the conversation, with relaxation and a friendly atmosphere being the other most common reasons. Only 1 in 10 listed alcohol as the overriding reason.

Let’s examine this news story from a statistical perspective.

1. What are the W’s: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How?

2. What population does the researcher think the study applies to?

3. What is the most important thing about the selection process that the article does not tell us?

4. How do you think the 900 respondents were selected? (Name a method of drawing a sample that is likely to have been used.)

5. Do you think the report that only 10% of respondents listed alcohol as an important reason for going to the pub might be a biased result? Why?