Understanding the margin of error in surveys.

Throughout the year, and especially before any election, we can find a plethora of survey results showing respondents’ opinions on some topic. These surveys will report a margin of error (typically +/- 3%). You’ve now learned how those margins of error are calculated and what they mean as far as interpreting the results of the survey.

Using your new knowledge of margins of error, describe an example where knowing the margins of error may affect your interpretation of the results? Discuss how this might happen (or how it has happened, if it’s a real-life example). How might the situation be improved?

In writing your post, use statistical terms. Your writing should show that you know what margins of error are (statistically) and how to interpret them in “managerial” terms.