LEED AP with Operations and Maintenance (O+M ) Practice Exam

What can be inferred about non-responders from an occupant commute survey showing an 80% response rate with 50% taking alternative transportation?

1. Half of the non-responders have never used alternative transportation

2. Half of the non-responders are assumed to take alternative transportation to work

3. Non-responders are more likely to drive alone

4. Non-responders do not commute to work

The correct answer is: Half of the non-responders are assumed to take alternative transportation to work

The inference about non-responders from the occupant commute survey is based on the understanding that a significant portion of respondents (50%) utilizes alternative transportation methods. When only 80% of occupants participated in the survey, it implies that the remaining 20% did not respond, but there’s no direct evidence about their transportation choices. Choosing the option that half of the non-responders are assumed to take alternative transportation suggests a possibility that mirrors the responses of those who did participate in the survey. It acknowledges the need to make an assumption based on the available data. However, this does not accurately reflect the real situation since there is no solid foundation to make this assumption; it's purely speculative. In reality, without further insights into the commuting preferences of the non-responders, it’s difficult to definitively state their transportation mode. The other choices, while they imply various assumptions about the non-responders, highlight a broader misconception about correlating responders' behaviors directly with non-responders without adequate data. Therefore, drawing conclusions about non-responders' commuting behavior is inherently risky without substantial evidence to support such assumptions. Recognizing these nuances in interpreting survey results is crucial for accurate project assessments in the context of LEED certification and sustainable transportation