1.3 Data from a poll conducted by Travelocity led to the following estimates: Approximately \( 40 \% \) of travelers check work e-mail while on vacation, about \( 33 \% \) take cell phones on vacation in order to stay connected with work, and about \( 25 \% \) bring laptop computers on vaca- tion (San Luis Obispo Tribune. December 1. 2005). Are the given percentages population values or were they computed from a sample?

The percentages provided from Travelocity's poll likely represent estimates derived from a sample rather than the entire population of travelers. In surveys like this, researchers typically gather data from a subset of the population to infer trends or behaviors, especially given the practical limitations of surveying every individual who travels. Such polling methods give valuable insights into traveler behavior, but it's crucial to remember that these estimates come with margins of error. For instance, if the margin is ±5%, the actual percentage of travelers checking work email could fluctuate. Understanding this helps in appreciating the findings while acknowledging the underlying variability in survey data!