Step 1.  Proposal for 5 points (See syllabus for due date)

(a)   Write a well-defined, nonbiased survey question with a yes/no or agree/disagree answer.   Avoid very personal questions for which people would be tempted to give a dishonest answer.  Don't ask a question pertaining to Ed Rendell since that question is too close to the example handed out in class.  In writing your proposal consider the following:

 Is the question clear?
 Is the question without bias?
 Does everyone interpret the question in the same way?
 Is the question easily understood and not too long?
 Is the question appropriate for the intended age group?
 How can you increase the chances that people will tell the truth?
 Can the sampling method be improved so that it is more randomized?
 Is the population approppriate for your method of sampling?

 (b)  Also state your target population.  You will be asking your question of a sample of at least 40 people taken from some larger target population.  Your target population should be some naturally defined population at least twice as large as your sample.  For example you could choose as your population:

 *  all adults living in Philadelphia
 *  all students at Community College of Philadelphia
 *  all day students at Community College of Philadelphia on main campus
 *  all employees at your place of employment ( if it employs at least 80 people )
 *  all members of your place of worship ( if it has at least 80 people )
 *  all members of some club or other organization ( if it has at least 80 people )

(c)  Also state your proposed sampling method.  You will be asking your question of a sample of at least 40 people taken from your target population.  The two sampling methods we have studied are convenience sampling and simple random sampling.

 Some examples of convenience samples are:
 *  asking the first 40 students you see in the cafeteria.
 *  asking the first 40 people you see on the street.
 *  posting a notice that people can respond to or not.
 *  asking 40 of your friends, acquaintenances, and family members.

 On the other hand taking a simple random sample involves
 *  assigning consecutive numbers to each person in your target population and
 *  using a table of random numbers to select a sample of at least 40 people from the population and
 *  making sure that everyone in your sample responds.

Step 2.  Data for 5 points (see syllabus for due date)

Actually do the above survey and report the proportion responding yes.   If you are shy about talking to strangers you can ask your question of friends, acquaintenances and family members.  You can ask a few people each day.

Step 3.  Typewritten Report 1000 words for 100 points (see syllabus for due date)

The report should have the five sections listed on the next page.