(In regards to Statistical Reasoning)

The two opinion polls below were conducted at the same time, by reputable pollsters, about the same proposed tax increase. What differences between the polls might explain the different results?

1. Q: As you may know, the tax cuts passed

into law when George W. Bush was president

are set to expire this year. Unless a new

bill is passed, federal income tax rates will

rise to the level they were at when those

cuts were enacted. Which of the following

statements comes closest to your

view?

Those tax cuts should continue

for all Americans. 31%

Those tax cuts should continue

for families that make less than

$250,000 a year, but taxes should

rise to the previous level for

families who make more than

that amount. 51%

Taxes should rise to the previous

level for all Americans regardless

of how much money they make. 18%

2. Q: As you may know, the tax cuts passed

during George W. Bushs administration

lowered taxes by reducing the maximum

income tax rate for all Americans. These

tax cuts are set to expire at the end of

2010, meaning tax rates would go back to

what they were before the Bush tax cuts.

Congress is currently considering whether

to let these tax cuts expire or extend them.

Which of the following comes closest to

your own view on what action Congress

should take?

Extend the tax cuts for

all Americans. 49%

Let the tax cuts expire only

for people who earn more than

$200,000 a year. 31%

Let the tax cuts expire for

all Americans. 15%