Final answer:
The question posed is a loaded question because it leads respondents towards a particular answer by emphasizing the harmful impact of second-hand smoke. In research, it's crucial to ask neutral questions to gather unbiased responses. A better way to phrase it is more open-ended, allowing for a broad range of answers without suggesting a 'correct' response.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question "Because of the harmful impact of second-hand cigarette smoke, are you in favor of banning smoking on our college campus?" is an example of a loaded question. This type of query is suggestive and loaded with assumption, potentially biasing the respondent toward a particular answer. It implies that the correct or desirable answer is 'yes' because it prefaces the question with a negative consequence, suggesting that second-hand smoke is universally accepted as harmful. In research methodology, it's essential to have questions that are open-ended and free from bias to ensure that survey or poll results are objective and credible. A better way to phrase this might be, "What are your thoughts on smoking on the college campus, considering the potential impact of second-hand smoke?" This phrasing allows for a broader range of answers and is less leading. When crafting polling questions, it's important to keep them answerable and consequential without leading the respondent to a particular answer.
To address the consequences, research has established that tobacco smoke can significantly affect non-smokers’ health, leading to various respiratory issues and even types of cancer. Secondhand cigarette smoke comes from two main sources: the smoke exhaled by the person who is smoking and the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette or other smoked tobacco product. Understanding the health risks associated with second-hand smoke underpins the arguments for regulations on smoking in community spaces, including college campuses.