<p>ID,
A 50% response rate is way more than necessary to get accurate results if you have a representative sample. I suspect that a response from 5% of the student body would be more than sufficient if you have the right 5% in the sample. On the other hand, a voluntary sample of 50% can, and probably did, lead to all kinds of inaccuracies in the results. </p>
<p>Regarding your comparison to the last survey, which I suspect was equally as flawed, I think you are reading much to much into the results. There is just no basis for concluding that higher minority representation and fewer recruited athletes on campus accounts for a drop (that may or may not even exist) in binge drinking. </p>
<p>I believe that drinking on campus is an important issue that should be addressed. I just wish that the College would conduct a well designed survey so they could study it properly.</p>