Why Did Literary Digest Predict the 1936 Presidential Election Incorrectly

question 21

Multiple Choice

Why did Literary Digest predict the 1936 presidential election incorrectly?

• A) Only a small number of ballots were actually returned.
• B) The sample was badly biased for an election that divided the electorate strongly along economic lines.
• C) The size of the sample was too big so that the margin of error in the poll was not precise.
• D) The ballots were sent out from Kansas, where one of the contenders lived.

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Definitions:

Sitting Up

The physical milestone in infant development where a baby can hold up their head and maintain an upright posture without support.

Rolling Over

A developmental milestone in infants, referring to the ability to turn the body from its back to its abdomen or vice versa, indicating progress in motor skills.

Responsive

The quality of reacting quickly and positively to stimuli or requests.

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The vocal expressions of women, which can vary widely in pitch, tone, and quality.