Unit 1 Polls Flashcards
What are Public Opinion Polls?
Polls which survey some citizeens to estimate beliefs and feelings of an entire population toward government and politics.
What are factors that affect poll results?
-Sampling Techniques: Representative Sample, Random Sample, Weighting/Stratification
-Question type/format: Question Order, Question Wording, Question Framing
-Knowledge of Topic
-Margin of Error
What is a Representative Sample?
Group of people that represents larger population as accurately as possible. Avoid voluntary responses and incentives. Avoid under/over sampling demographic groups. 1,500 people.
What is a Random Sample?
Everyone must have equal chance of bieng included in sample. Avoid using one method of sampling.
What is Weighting/Stratification?
Adjusting survey results to make sure demographic groups are properly represented in sample.
How is Question Order important in polls?
Sequencing of questions asked can affect how people respond. You should avoid multi issue questions.
How is Question Wording important in polls?
Phrasing of question asked, “Loaded Language”. Can, intentionally or not, guide respondents to a specific answer.
How is Framing of a Question important in polls?
Posing a question in a way that emphasizes certain perspective.
How is Knowledge of Topic important in polls?
Uninformed citizen responses are common. They often feel social pressure to answer questions regardless of knowledge. They draw clues from words/concepts to compare to their ideology/party.
How is Margin of Error viewed in polls?
It describes how close we can reasonably expect survey result to fall relative to true population values. If sample size increases, the margin of error decreases. It’s about plus or minus 3% satisfactory..
What is a Benchmark Poll?
First public opinion survey that is often released before candidate announces their campaign. Focuses on strengths, weakness voters to focus on.
What is a Tracking Poll?
Same/similar questions are asked over time to measure shifts in opinion. Heavily used during election season.
What are Entrance/Exit polls?
Polls people entering/exiting polling places on Election days. Predict outcome of election based on demographic voting preferences.
What is “Horse Race Coverage”?
Focuses on polling data to determine who is far ahead/behind. Often criticized for lack of depth.
What is “Bandwagon Effect”?
Shift of support to candidate leading in public opinion polls. Responsible for link between candidates rank and campaign funds.
