EDINBURGH, Scotland, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has released his draft of a referendum question on independence from Britain.
Salmond described the question as "straightforward," The Daily Telegraph reported. It reads: "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?"
But Robert Cialdini, a marketing expert at Arizona State University, said the question is likely to increase the number of votes in favor of independence. In an interview with Radio Four, Cialdini cited studies that show survey respondents are predisposed to agreement when given a single question.
"I think it's loaded and biased," he said. "It sends people down particular cognitive chutes designed to locate agreements rather than disagreements."
An easy fix would be to have a two-question referendum with one asking about independence and the other whether Scotland should remain part of the United Kingdom.
Salmond has released a timetable that would put Scotland on track for full independence in 2016 following a referendum in 2014. British Prime Minister David Cameron wants a referendum sooner.
