1.4 Exercise 6

Describe the unethical behavior, if any, in each example and describe how it could impact the reliability of the resulting data. Explain how the problem should be corrected.

A study is commissioned to determine the favorite brand of fruit juice among teens in California.

1. The survey is commissioned by the seller of a popular brand of apple juice.
2. There are only two types of juice included in the study: apple juice and cranberry juice.
3. Researchers allow participants to see the brand of juice as samples are poured for a taste test.
4. Twenty-five percent of participants prefer Brand X, 33 percent prefer Brand Y and 42 percent have no preference between the two brands. Brand X references the study in a commercial saying “Most teens like Brand X as much as or more than Brand Y.”