1. Name the intended purpose of the study.

2. Identify and explain the misuse of statistics.


A local radio show conducts a phone-in poll on its morning show, saying, “Call in to vote for the city to invest in new, dedicated bike lanes.” The radio show then reported, “An overwhelming 85% of callers support investing in new bike lanes!”


1. Sample: The purpose was to determine if there was support for new bike lanes.

2. Sample: Misuse. Only people listening to the radio show are represented (self-selected). The leading prompt tells people to call to vote YES.