Final answer:
Polls might give different results due to variations in sample size, sampling methods, and the timing/context of the survey being conducted.
Step-by-step explanation:
When interpreting survey results, several factors can cause discrepancies. Here are three reasons why different polls might give different results:
- Sample Size: A larger sample size generally provides a more accurate representation of a population. The newspaper's finding of 13% might be based on a much larger sample than the researcher's 76-person survey, which could affect reliability.
- Sampling Method: If the newspaper and researchers used different sampling methods, this could contribute to different outcomes. For example, a random sample provides a more generalizable result than a convenience sample, which might not be representative of the entire population.
- Timing and Context: The time period when the survey was conducted and the particular context can have an impact on results. If the newspaper conducted their survey during an outbreak, while the researchers did not, the results would vary substantially.
These factors significantly influence the accuracy of polls and can result in varying outcomes.