🧠 GRE Exam Prep

An argument concludes that a city's residents strongly prefer public transportation over private cars, based on a survey conducted only among commuters arriving at the central bus station. What is the most significant flaw in this evidence?

A The sample size of the survey was likely too small to be representative.
B The survey questions might have been leading or biased.
C The survey participants are a self-selected group, likely already favoring public transport.
D The survey did not offer incentives for participation.

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

This scenario represents sampling bias. Surveying only bus commuters skews the results, as this group is already predisposed to using public transportation, thus not representing all city residents.

💡 Why is C) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "An argument concludes that a city's residents strongly prefer public transportation over private cars, based on a survey conducted only among commuters arriving at the central bus station. What is the most significant flaw in this evidence?" is Option C: The survey participants are a self-selected group, likely already favoring public transport..

The other options — A) The sample size of the survey was likely too small to be representative., B) The survey questions might have been leading or biased., D) The survey did not offer incentives for participation. — are incorrect for this GRE Exam Prep question. As explained above: This scenario represents sampling bias. Surveying only bus commuters skews the results, as this group is already predisposed to using public transportation, thus not representing all city residents.

📚 About This GRE Exam Prep Practice Question

This 3-level GRE Exam Prep question from the Analytical Writing topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free GRE Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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