Which of the following questions is best investigated by means of a survey?

• A. What percentage of college students report experiencing stress during final exams?
• B. How does sleep deprivation affect reaction time in a controlled laboratory setting?
• C. What is the effect of a new medication on symptoms of depression in a randomized clinical trial?
• D. Does exposure to violent video games cause changes in brain activity as measured by fMRI?

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of a survey. Surveys are best suited for collecting self-reported data from a large group of people about their experiences, attitudes, or behaviors.
2. Step 2: Review each question to determine which one involves gathering self-reported data from a broad population rather than conducting an experiment or using specialized equipment.
3. Step 3: Identify that the question 'What percentage of college students report experiencing stress during final exams?' seeks to quantify how many students experience stress, which is ideal for survey methodology.
4. Step 4: Recognize that the other questions involve experimental manipulation or measurement techniques (e.g., controlled lab settings, clinical trials, brain imaging) that are not suitable for surveys.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best question for investigation by means of a survey is the one asking about the percentage of college students reporting stress during final exams.