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a university wants to survey students to gather opinions regarding a tuition increase for their online degree programs. which survey method is most likely to lead to nonresponse bias in the sample?

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Final answer:

An online self-selected survey is most likely to lead to nonresponse bias when a university surveys students about tuition increase opinions. This type of survey often results in a skewed representation of the student body, missing moderate or indifferent views. Random sampling and incentives could help reduce this bias.

Step-by-step explanation:

The survey method most likely to lead to nonresponse bias in the sample when a university wants to gather opinions on a tuition increase for online degree programs is an online self-selected survey. This is because such surveys depend entirely on individuals choosing to participate, which can result in a biased sample since those with strong opinions (either very opposed or very supportive of the increase) are more likely to respond, leaving out more moderate or indifferent viewpoints.

To minimize nonresponse bias, the university could employ methods such as random sampling, offering incentives evenly for participation (ensuring they don't skew responses), or using mixed modes of contact to reach a broader audience. Additionally, conducting a pilot test of the survey method to check the response rate and demographic representativeness can help in selecting the most effective approach.

User Celso Wellington
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Final answer:

The most likely survey method to cause nonresponse bias in a university survey on tuition increase for online degree programs is a self-selected survey, such as an internet survey, due to voluntary participation that may not be representative of all students.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a university wants to survey students about a potential tuition increase for online degree programs, the survey method most likely to lead to nonresponse bias is a self-selected survey, such as an internet survey. Nonresponse bias occurs when the individuals who choose to participate in the survey are significantly different from those who do not, leading to skewed results.

Internet surveys are particularly susceptible to this type of bias because the individuals who respond do so voluntarily, which may not represent the population as a whole. For example, students who are passionate about the issue or have had prior negative experiences with tuition increases might be more likely to respond than those with no strong opinions or awareness, thereby introducing bias into the survey's results.

User Bookthief
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