Opinion polls

Question 1

2015 General Election

Answer 1

-Opinion polls indicated a likely Labour-SNP coalition
-The Conservative Party began to campaign on that basis, releasing posters where the Labour Party leader was ‘in the pocket’ of the SNP leader
-Last minute surge in support for Conservative
-May not have changed the outcome, but probably influenced the tactics of Conservative

Question 2

Scottish independence referendum

Answer 2

-Shifting polls, for most of the campaign the polls were clear that ‘No’ would win
-However in the last few days, the gap closed and at one point ‘Yes’ was shwon to be in the lead
-Created a sense of urgency, led to interventions including ‘The Vow’
-Turnout was the highest ever in any election in the UK

Question 3

Arguments for banning of opinion polls

Answer 3

-Opinion polls may influence the way people vote
-Opinion polls have proved to be inaccurate so they may mislead the public
-Politicians should not be held captive to changing public opinion

Question 4

Arguments against banning of opinion polls

Answer 4

-It would infringe the right to freedom of expression
-Feasibility of a ban, opinion polls may be published abroad
-Opinion polls give valuable information about attitudes and can guide politicians