Final answer:
Considering both sample size and sample estimate, The Herald with a sample size of 1000 and an estimate of 61% is likely the most accurate representation of the population proportion of voters supporting the governor, assuming all else is equal and the sampling method is consistent across surveys.
Step-by-step explanation:
To estimate the actual percentage of voters who support the governor for reelection, we need to consider both the sample size and the sample estimate from each newspaper. Generally, larger samples provide more reliable estimates. However, we must also recognize that random sampling variability could lead to different sample estimates.
The results from the newspapers are:
- The Herald: n = 1000 voters sampled; sample estimate = 61%
- The Tribune: n = 800 voters sampled; sample estimate = 57%
- The Times: n = 600 voters sampled; sample estimate = 71%
In this scenario, The Herald has the largest sample size, which suggests that its result (61%) is likely the most accurate representation of the true population parameter, if all other factors such as sampling method are equal. The larger the sample size, the smaller the margin of error in estimating a population proportion, and typically the closer the estimate is to the actual value. Therefore, The Herald's estimate is likely closest to the true proportion of voters supporting the governor for reelection.