This chapter stressed the importance of using appropriate samples for empirical studies. Consider the following two problems in that light.

a. You are given a class assignment to find out if people’s political leanings affect the newspaper or magazine that they choose to read. You survey two students taking a political science class and five people at a coffee shop. Almost all the people you have spoken to tell you that their political affiliations do not affect what they read. Based on the results of your study, you conclude that there is no relationship between political inclinations and the choice of a newspaper. Is this a valid conclusion? Why or why not?

b. Your uncle tells you that the newspaper or magazine that people buy will depend on their age. He says that he believes this because, at home, his wife and his teenage children read different papers. Do you think his conclusion is justified?