Chapter 4.5 Flashcards
What are the elements of a scientific poll and how do these elements impact elections and policy?
Public Opinion Polls
See how people feel about different things.
Benchmark Polls
First poll done to see how people feel about a canidate.
Tracking Polls
Used throughout the course to something to keep getting data (after the benchmark poll).
Entrance Polls
Ask voters how they are voting right before they vote.
Exit Polls
Ask people how they voted once they leave the polling place.
Approval Ratings
Regularly conducted to see if (yes/no/maybe) people agree with the president’s performance.
Focus Groups
Small group of citizens gathered to ask questions about issues/candidates.
Phrasing Questions
Trying to phrase questions without a bias. Question order is also important.
Sampling Techniques
Accurate poll with a random and diverse sample is assured by good sampling techniques.
Representative Samples
Group of people meant to represent a large group.
Universe
The large group.
Random Sample
Every person has an equal chance of being selected.
Random-Digit Dialing
Computer makes random phone numbers unit enough people respond.
Weighing/Stratification
Making sure all demographic groups are represented.
Sampling Error
Difference between poll results.
Margin of Error
How much a poll can be wrong by.
Non-Attitudes
People who don’t have strong opinions on it.
Human Bias and Push Polling
Humans can have impacts on response and questions can be designed for answers.
