Repeat
Quote from the study,
"This study had limitations that should be considered when assessing the results. First, the sample was restricted to large apartment complexes in a single suburb in a large metropolitan area. It is unclear whether the results could be generalised to other communities. Second, the return rate of 65% was respectable, but it is low enough to raise a question about whether the sample was representative. Finally, there was no systematic method for selecting the adult in the household who would complete the survey."
Again I made a mistake I should have clicked the excerpt button so the full study isn't posted but click on the link and you will have it.
Any scientist who has any credibility will tell you a study that is based on questionaires sent through the mail is seriously flawed.
No. I did serious market research for a nmumber of years and questionaire studies are not considered flawed. They are considered limited (by their nature). As long as it is stated that there are limitations to a study, that would not be considered a flaw. A flaw would be something like mailing to a specific demographic and not stating that the mailing had been targeted to that demographic. This study states the limitations and says exactly what group was targeted. Generalizing a conclusion beyond the parameters of the study would be a flaw (using an inductive speculation in place of deductive conclusion about those in the study only), but I don't see that happening here. Speculating about the generality of the study beyond the group is not a flaw as long as it is clearly stated as speculation.