Article Discussion #1
“Most in U.S. Say Consuming Alcohol, Marijuana Morally OK”
Question #1
Do a quick internet search for Gallup. Briefly, describe the organization and note any potential
conflicts of interest with the research.
Gallup is an analytics and management consulting company founded in 1935. They are most
known for their opinion polling, where they track and measure the public’s views on political,
social, and economic issues, often about controversial topics. A poll analyst, Nate Silver,
unfortunately found that Gallup was the least accurate out of the 23 polling websites he looked
into.
Question #2
Describe the purpose of this study and any relevant background or context provided by the
author. (Use the text and graphs.)
The purpose of this study was to determine if attitudes surrounding the consumption of
marijuanna and alcohol have changed over the last few years. The author mentioned that Gallup
performed polls on these trends dating back to 2001, and the new results show that “Americans
have adopted more permissive views over time.”
Question #3
What is the main research method being used in the study? Using the survey methodology link
(bottom of or last page), describe characteristics of the sample and methods used to obtain
data from the sample.
The main research method being used in the study is self report. Some characteristics of the
sample include that all of the 1,024 participants were all 18 and older, and came from all 50
states and Washington D.C. For the question on the morality of alcohol, a random sample of 542
were polled, and for marijuanna, a random sample of 482.
Question #4
What is the dependent variable used in the first graphic (American’s views...). Specifically,
explain how this number is computed for the entire sample based on the way the question is
asked to interview individuals. Are calculations of central tendency or variability provided or
needed?
The dependent variable of this study is moral acceptability. It is found based on participant
answers from a “yes or no” questionnaire, with the options being “morally acceptable” and
“morally wrong.” Calculations of central tendency and variability are not provided in the
graphic, but would help specify the findings of the study.
This study source was downloaded by 100000901307859 from CourseHero.com on 11-14-2025 04:38:37 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/251703695/Article-Discussion-1-Chloe-Whalen-Section-002pdf/
“Most in U.S. Say Consuming Alcohol, Marijuana Morally OK”
Question #1
Do a quick internet search for Gallup. Briefly, describe the organization and note any potential
conflicts of interest with the research.
Gallup is an analytics and management consulting company founded in 1935. They are most
known for their opinion polling, where they track and measure the public’s views on political,
social, and economic issues, often about controversial topics. A poll analyst, Nate Silver,
unfortunately found that Gallup was the least accurate out of the 23 polling websites he looked
into.
Question #2
Describe the purpose of this study and any relevant background or context provided by the
author. (Use the text and graphs.)
The purpose of this study was to determine if attitudes surrounding the consumption of
marijuanna and alcohol have changed over the last few years. The author mentioned that Gallup
performed polls on these trends dating back to 2001, and the new results show that “Americans
have adopted more permissive views over time.”
Question #3
What is the main research method being used in the study? Using the survey methodology link
(bottom of or last page), describe characteristics of the sample and methods used to obtain
data from the sample.
The main research method being used in the study is self report. Some characteristics of the
sample include that all of the 1,024 participants were all 18 and older, and came from all 50
states and Washington D.C. For the question on the morality of alcohol, a random sample of 542
were polled, and for marijuanna, a random sample of 482.
Question #4
What is the dependent variable used in the first graphic (American’s views...). Specifically,
explain how this number is computed for the entire sample based on the way the question is
asked to interview individuals. Are calculations of central tendency or variability provided or
needed?
The dependent variable of this study is moral acceptability. It is found based on participant
answers from a “yes or no” questionnaire, with the options being “morally acceptable” and
“morally wrong.” Calculations of central tendency and variability are not provided in the
graphic, but would help specify the findings of the study.
This study source was downloaded by 100000901307859 from CourseHero.com on 11-14-2025 04:38:37 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/251703695/Article-Discussion-1-Chloe-Whalen-Section-002pdf/
