Ring-no-answer A common form of nonresponse in telephone surveys is “ring-no-answer.” That is, a call is made to an active number but no one answers. The Italian National Statistical Institute looked at nonresponse to a government survey of households in Italy during the periods January 1 to Easter and July 1 to August 31 All calls were made between7 and 10 p.m., but 21.4% gave “ring-no-answer” in one period versus 41.5% “ring-no-answer” in the other period15 Which period do you think had the higher rate of no answers? Why? Explain why a high rate of nonresponse makes sample results less reliable.

Short Answer

Expert verified

It is less reliable.

Step by step solution

01

Given information

The percent of people who gave ring-no-answer during the January 1 to Easter period = 21.4%

The percent of people who gave ring-no-answer during the July 1 to August 31 period = 41.5%

All calls were made between 7 and 10 p.m.

02

Concept

Non-sampling mistakes, on the other hand, are the most significant errors in even the most meticulous surveys. These have nothing to do with selecting a sample and can be found in any census. Nonresponse is the single biggest issue with sample surveys: people can't be reached or refuse to respond. Response bias can occur when respondents give incorrect replies. Finally, the precise wording of questions has a significant impact on the responses.

03

Explanation

The non-response rate is 41.5 percent, which is quite significant. This will most likely happen between July and August. The majority of folks will be out of town during this time of vocation. As a result of the higher non-response rate, the sample is less representative of the population. As a result, it is less trustworthy.

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