how do i solve this problem:

Question

mathmale · Answer

Howard:  This is not the kind of problem that you "solve."  Rather, you'll need to think about (and perhaps look up) "bias in sampling" and then explain why some people might not answer this question about fast food eating honestly.

howard-wolowitz · Answer

Well this seems a bit silly, I do not understand how you could figure a answer with this being the defined: 

                               In statistics, sampling bias is a bias in which a sample is collected in such a way that some members of the intended population are less likely to be included than others.

howard-wolowitz · Answer

So I can only tinhk that this is talking about people over-weight! or perhaps people who dont need to be included for some reason

mathmale · Answer

Exactly.  Some people are smart enough not to eat foods that lead to their becoming overweight, but others know the negative effects of overeating and it anyway.  Or, alternatively, they eat foods they know are unhealthy.  I love cheese.  So, if you were to ask me whether I eat  more than a few ounces of cheese per week, I might give you a less than honest answer.  That'd be one example of bias.

mathmale · Answer

Question:  Will some people be less than honest with you if you ask questions that have to do with their health?

howard-wolowitz · Answer

Of course they will!

mathmale · Answer

Right ;)    That's an example of bias.

howard-wolowitz · Answer

Ok let me make a example and then will you tell me if its correct?

mathmale · Answer

In this kind of situation, examples vary in how correct they are.   In other words, they're not necessarily RIGHT or WRONG.  In statistics you have to be able to deal with uncertainty.

howard-wolowitz · Answer

My answer to my question: The amount you eat fast food depends on if your honest. Because I tihnk that your answer depends on if your going to be honest!

howard-wolowitz · Answer

I think that, that is the best possible answer here

mathmale · Answer

Let's change the wording a bit.  "My honesty in answering a question about my eating fast food may be influenced by my body image, e. g., whether or not I see myself as being overweight."

mathmale · Answer

that's a possible sampling bias.

howard-wolowitz · Answer

Thank you for your help! I'm thankful