(I am working in retail when a confused-looking student approaches me.)
Me: “Hi there, how can I help you?”
Student: “I want to get a sample.”
Me: “A sample of what?”
Student: “What have you got?”
Me: “What do you need it for? For class?”
Student: “Yeah, for class.”
Me: “Which class?”
Student: “Social Sciences.”
Me: “I’m not aware of any requirements for that class. Do you have it written down somewhere?”
(The student looks through her bag and produces a piece of paper. She hands it to me.)
Me: “This is an assignment to set up a small psychological experiment.”
Student: “Yes! And I need a sample.”
Me: “Do you mean participants? You want me to get you participants?”
Student: “Yeah, the teacher said about thirty should do. Do they come to my place or do I have to get them from here?”
Me: “I’m afraid that’s not how it works. You have to find participants on your own.”
Student: “What? That’s ridiculous! Isn’t it enough that I do all the science?”
This story is part of the Customers-Who-Don’t-Understand-Science-themed roundup!

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