One way msnbc solicits the opinions of its news consumers is through the organization's online speak out surveys. using social media and its television and radio news shows, msnbc encourages its news consumers to go online and respond to various opinion polls about trending topics. typically the polls remain open. in one ongoing speak out poll, msnbc asks whether marijuana should be legalized, decriminalized, or illegal. as of may 10th, 2015, more than 26,000 people had responded to the poll, and 77% indicated that marijuana should be legalized.
what can we conclude from the poll?
a, because the sample is large (more than 26,000), it is reasonable to conclude that approximately 77% of the public believes marijuana should be legalized in the united states.
b, the result is surprising but reasonable because people view smoking marijuana as equivalent to drinking alcohol.
c, this survey is biased by voluntary response and probably overestimates the percentage of the public that supports legalization of marijuana.
d, the results are believable, so the survey is not biased.