Author Question: Even though the U.S. census involves scientific survey methodology, it is still affected by ... (Read 34 times)

Charlie · **on:** Jul 13, 2018

Even though the U.S. census involves scientific survey methodology, it is still affected by politics. Explain how politics is involved.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Why could it be more profitable for a beginning researcher to do an exact replication, while it would be more profitable for a seasoned researcher to do a conceptual replication?

What will be an ideal response?

swimkari · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 13, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The census doesn't actually manage to count every person; some are left out. Statisticians wanted to use statistical sampling to improve the census results. The Republicans, who would lose seats in Congress if statistical sampling were used, opposed this approach; the Democrats, who would lose seats if statistical sampling were not used, favored it. The issue ultimately went to the Supreme Court, which sided with the Republican arguments.

Answer to Question 2

Beginning researchers can benefit from learning how to carry out research by following the well specified procedures of earlier research. This will help them avoid overlooking important potential problems because most of these problems will have been ironed out by the original researchers. Seasoned researchers who can anticipate potential problems can be more confident that they will be able to create well structured studies that go beyond the original studies.