After running stories on current First Lady Michelle Obama and former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin on consecutive weeks, USA Weekend magazine asked its readers on Mother's Day, "Who would you rather have as your mom, Sarah Palin or Michelle Obama?" Readers were asked to vote online at www.usaweekend.com. Based on over 34,000 votes cast, the results were: Obama-71%, Palin-29%. (USA Weekend Magazine press release, May 11, 2010.)
a. What type of data collection method is used in this study?
b. Is the data collected quantitative or qualitative? Explain.
c. Discuss the validity of the study results. What are the potential problems with running a poll where voting is done online?