Darrin's inference that "the most popular type of TV show among students in his school is likely detective shows" is not valid for several reasons:
-
Sample Size: Darrin surveyed only 10 students. This is a very small sample size, which may not be representative of the larger population of students in his school. A small sample is more likely to be influenced by random variability, leading to potentially skewed results.
-
Sampling Method: Darrin conducted a survey of students from his own science class. This creates a bias, as the preferences of students in one specific class may not reflect the preferences of the entire student body. Students in different classes may have different interests, leading to inaccurate generalizations.
-
Limited Options: The survey only included three types of TV shows. This limited range does not encompass all potential favorite types of shows that students may like. For a more accurate conclusion, Darrin would need to present a broader array of options in the survey.
-
Non-random Sampling: Depending on how Darrin selected the 10 students, there may be other biases involved. If he only asked friends or students he knew well, their preferences may have influenced the results.
-
Statistical Validity: Drawing a conclusion about the "most popular" type of TV show requires quantitative data that represents the entire population. Analyzing a small sample or one that lacks diversity does not provide a solid basis for generalization.
In conclusion, without a larger, more representative sample drawn from the entire student population, Darrin's inference regarding students' favorite types of TV shows is not supported by sufficient evidence. A more comprehensive survey would be necessary to make a valid conclusion about the preferences of the whole school.
1 answer