<p>The article about the survey is interesting, but there are some things about it that I don’t understand. The Record gives the impression that the survey was voluntary and completed by roughly half of those on campus. It also says that the results are good to within 3%.</p>
<p>With a sample that is half of the entire student body, it seems inconsistant that the results are only accurate to within 3%.</p>
<p>Also, with voluntary participation, wouldn’t the results have a possible sampling bias that could skew them one way or the other? This would not necessarily explain the inconsistancy mentioned above and is another explanation of why the percentage of athletes in the result is so large. Since athletes seem to drink more than others, it could mean that the problem is not as large as the survey says.</p>
<p>Finally, another hazzard of voluntary surveys is that someone with an agenda can try to stuff the ballot box to make a point. Were precautions taken to make sure that did not happen?</p>
<p>I guess what I’m asking is this - was the survey properly taken to make the result accurate and meaningful, or is it just a sloppy survey that is getting publicity due to shocking, but inaccurate results?</p>