Final answer:
The discrepancy between the email results and general public opinion is likely due to the survey not being representative, influenced by sampling biases, response inaccuracies, and differences in communication technology usage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely reason for the results of the emails to differ from the opinions of the general public could be that the survey was not representative of the general public's opinions. Various factors contribute to this phenomenon, including non-representative sampling methods, response biases, and changes in communication technology. For instance, samples drawn from landline users may skew toward older demographics because younger individuals are more likely to use cell phones exclusively. Additionally, people may not always give accurate responses due to social desirability bias or poor recall. Also, the mode of reaching respondents, such as email, might not capture a broad range of the population, especially if certain groups are less inclined to respond to emails.
Sampling bias can also arise when surveys are conducted in areas with low phone access, or during times of civil unrest when face-to-face interviews rather than phone surveys are necessary, leading to non-representative results. Given the factors that can influence survey outcomes, the difference observed between the email results and broader public opinion likely stems from inadequate sampling and environmental factors impacting response rates.