Consumers Union asked all subscribers whether they had used alternative medical treatments and, if so, whether they had benefited from them. For almost all the treatments, approximately 20% of those responding reported cures or substantial improvement in their condition.

For the following reports about statistical studies, identify the following items (if possible). If you can’t tell, then say so—this often happens when we read about a survey.

a) The population

b) The population parameter of interest

c) The sampling frame

d) The sample

e) The sampling method, including whether or not randomization was employed

f) Any potential sources of bias you can detect and any problems you see in generalizing to the population of interest