A scientist is investigating the cause of a foul smell in the river water of a specific location. Four residents of the location responded to questions asked by the scientist. The chart below shows their responses.

Questions Resident 1's answer Resident 2's answer Resident 3's answer Resident 4's answer

Do you work at the factory near the river? Yes No No Yes

Do you use the river water for daily chores? Yes No Yes Yes

Are you related to anyone who works in the factory near the river? No No Yes Yes

Which resident is most likely to provide reliable and unbiased information?

Resident 1

Resident 2

Resident 3

Resident 4

If you or someone you know works for a company you're being asked questions about, you would already have your own opinion on it. For example: My older sister works at a Subway restaurant - I was planning on applying as well. However, she told me all the bad things about working there instead of the good things. There was a co-worker who had lice, others stole from other people, there was a co-worker who literally showed her "boyfriends" pictures (if you know what I mean) to someone under-aged. She also was bragging about how she has a lot of STI's (she never washed her hands after going to the bathroom, never wore gloves when preparing food, etc.). So, I decided not to apply even though there was so many good things about the job I was never told about. With that being said, before even working there, I already had a bias. That's why Resident Two is the correct answer. He/she didn't have a bias on the topic because they never had any interactions with it.

Hope this helps!

Hoped you enjoyed that little story as well :)

Take care!

- Kaitlin