Public Opinion

Question 1

Capricious

Answer 1

Characterized by a sudden, impulsive, & seemingly unmotivated notion or action

Question 2

Public opinion

Answer 2

What the public thinks about a particular issue or set of issues at any given point in time

Question 3

Public opinion poll

Answer 3

Interviews or surveys with a sample of citizens that are used to estimate the feelings and beliefs of the entire population

Question 4

Random selection

Answer 4

A method of selection that gives each potential voter or adult the same chance of being selected

Question 5

Straw poll

Answer 5

A vote w/non binding results

Question 6

Types of pills

Answer 6

Tracking polls: follow a can date or participate running

Exit polls: first indication of how an election is going

Deliberative polls: focus groups

Question 7

Bandwagon effect

Answer 7

When voters rally to the perceived leading candidate

Question 8

Underdog effect

Answer 8

When voters rally to the perceived trailing candidate

Question 9

What is the minimum # of people a national survey?

Answer 9

Natural survey 1200

Question 10

Problems with polls

Answer 10

• margin of error
• sampling error
• phrasing of questions
• truthfulness of respondent
• limited response
• lack of information
• measurement of intensity

Question 11

Push polling

Answer 11

A political campaign technique in which an individual or organization attempts to influence the view of the respondents under the guise of conducting a poll

Question 12

Characterization of the public

Answer 12

• mass public: 85%
• attentive public: 15%
• opinion Marcus: >1%