In the given article, the author asserts
that the study which is conducted first is mispresented because the survey
result is different from second survey, and shows final conclusion that
Waymarsh’s resident prefer to mystery books. It seems true, however, unclear
evidence which cannot take for granted is indicated thus the author need to
suggest more reliable sources in support.
To
begin with, the author suggests two surveys but it is questionable about the
study’s validity. First, the author does not indicate the entire sample
population, and place where the survey conducted in first study. Generally
speaking, to draw reliable conclusion, sufficient population is are required. Furthermore,
different survey place indicates that it might be draw different survey result.
In other words, some town might have more senior people and others have more
children and students. It means that different age might influence on the study
result. Secondly, the author overlooks about applying similar scope of survey
because participant’s age and region is not similar. Lastly, if the time gap is
too big between two surveys, the result of these study might not be credible
since the population composition might be changed by inflow or outflow of
people. Thus, additional data as I mentioned above is required to verify the
author’s argument.
Furthermore,
it is questionable that only participants in public library indicate
representativeness of the study. Usually, public library is closed at 6:00 PM.
For example, working people might be difficult to access the public library
because they can access after 6:00 PM. It is possible that only those who is
available to the public library are participated in the survey. Unless the author
prove the survey’s representativeness, the argumentation is remained untruth.
Even
if the two surveys have respondent’s similar scope and representativeness is
proved, the author does not consider the reader’s preference. If when second
survey is conducted, movie which is relative with mystery genre is released,
people might find mystery books more than others. In addition, if some school
book list include mystery books more other than, student might prefer to
mystery books. Therefore, complete data pertaining to preference is required to
prove the assertion.
In
sum, to verify the author’s argumentation, additional data pertaining to
survey’s validity, representativeness, and resident’s book preference is
required.