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

a. Imagine you are a sociologist and your task is to find out the average wage in a small town in rural Europe.

Since you are short on time you travel to the city and ask 10 random people waiting at the train station about their wages, then travel back and report on the data. Are you going to get an accurate number?

b. Your friend was visiting a European capital city for two days and comes home saying that this city has the best restaurants in the world. Do you think his/her conclusion is justified?