Final answer:
The FCC recommends using random sampling methods to create representative and unbiased samples for surveys, recognizing that careful selection and analysis are required to avoid skewed results.
Step-by-step explanation:
To mitigate bias in sample selection and ensure representation of the population as a whole, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) advocates for the use of random sampling methods. When random samples are carefully chosen, they can accurately reflect the views of the entire population, allowing for generalizations without the risk of bias.
Obstacles such as unequal telephone access and individual availability can skew survey results if not accounted for properly. Conducting internet surveys leads to self-selection bias, where certain demographics may be overrepresented. To support valid conclusions, the evidence gathered should avoid heavy bias, ensuring it truly represents a cross-section of the population.
Polling companies employ experts to design and administer surveys, where random and representative samples are drawn from the desired populations. This is crucial in contexts such as elections, where accurate predictions depend on unbiased data. To fulfill their mission, the FCC suggests a critical reading of survey methodologies and an awareness of biases that may influence data collection and analysis.