A city council candidate asks his campaign staff to gather some polling data. they survey a sample of voters to determine voters' attitudes. Which survey question does not show bias?

Don't you think our candidate is the most qualified?
Do you think education or property taxes are important?
Don't you agree we shouldn't allow the business park to be recognized?
Do you agree that honesty is important in a city council representative?

What do you think?

I think it's the second option?

I agree, Kelly.

Thank you! :)

You're welcome.

The survey question that does not show bias is "Do you think education or property taxes are important?"

To identify bias in survey questions, it is essential to look for loaded or leading language that implies a desired answer or influences respondents' opinions. In this case, the first question, "Don't you think our candidate is the most qualified?" introduces bias by using "our candidate" and "the most qualified," suggesting a preferred answer.

Likewise, the third question, "Don't you agree we shouldn't allow the business park to be recognized?" includes negative phrasing ("shouldn't allow") and assumes the respondents' agreement. This wording can lead to biased results.

On the other hand, the fourth question, "Do you agree that honesty is important in a city council representative?" avoids bias because it directly asks about a generally accepted value without any loaded language or manipulation. It provides an open-ended opportunity for the respondents to express their opinion.