Critical Reasoning

A recent survey conducted in the New Homes magazine indicated that more than 70% of its readers are planningto purchase or build a new home over the next two years. Based on the results of the survey, the editor of themagazine concluded that over the next two years, the real estate industry is likely to experience rapid growthdriven by the high market demand for new homes.

Which of the following statements, if true, would be the most damaging to the conclusion of the magazine's editor?

"¢The survey included over 50,000 respondents representing all major age categories.

"¢The survey was mailed to all the subscribers of the magazine and included prepaid postage to facilitate returningthe questionnaire.

"¢Readers of the New Homes magazine are much more likely to be interested in buying or purchasing a home thanthe rest of the public.

"¢The number of the magazine's readers has more than doubled over the past 2 years.

"¢All survey respondents received one free issue of the magazine as a token of appreciation for filling out the survey.