UNIT 4 Flashcards
Public Opinion
The distribution of the population’s beliefs about politics and policy issues
Poll
A question asked to a group of people to get a sample of people
Random Sample
A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion
Sampling Error
The difference between a sample result and the true result if the entire population had been interviewed.
Representative Sample
A sample or subgroup of the population that possesses the same characteristics of the population
Straw Poll
Early form of polling that asks the same question of a large number of people
Political Socialization
Complex process by which people get their sense of political identity, beliefs, and values
Exit Polls
Polls based on interviews conducted on Election Day with randomly selected voters
Political Ideology
A consistent pattern of beliefs about political values and the role of government
Silent Majority
A phrase used to describe people, whatever their economic status, who uphold traditional values
Socio-Economic Status
A person’s position in society as determined by income, wealth, occupation, education, place of residence, and other factors
Quota Sample
A sample deliberately constructed to reflect several of the major characteristics of a given population
Focus Groups
A group interview technique that obtains data through discussion between research participants in a group setting
Push Polls
Polls taken for the purpose of providing information on an opponent that would lead respondents to vote against that candidate
Voter Apathy
The lack of interest among the citizenry in participating in elections
welfare
a range of government programs designed to provide financial support to individuals and families in need
political platform
a set of beliefs, goals, and positions on key political issues that a political party or candidate is running on
Social Security
a government program in the United States designed to provide financial support to older Americans, as well as to disabled and surviving dependents
liberal
a political ideology characterized by support for a strong role for government in addressing social and economic issues, as well as a belief in individual rights and freedoms
conservative
a political ideology characterized by support for limited government intervention in social and economic affairs, a belief in individual responsibility, and a preference for traditional social values
