All flashcards
Flashcard 1: Identify one limitation of telephone polls.
Answer: Telephone polls may exclude those without phones or who do not answer. May underrepresent certain demographic groups without phones.
Flashcard 2: Identify one factor that can lead to polling errors.
Answer: Nonresponse bias can lead to errors. Occurs when certain groups are less likely to participate.
Flashcard 3: Define sampling error.
Answer: Sampling error is the difference between the sample result and the true population value. Natural variation between sample results and actual population.
Flashcard 4: Identify a challenge in interpreting survey results.
Answer: Differing interpretations of survey questions by respondents. Ambiguous wording can lead to misunderstandings and errors.
Flashcard 5: What is an omnibus survey?
Answer: An omnibus survey collects data on various topics for multiple clients. Combines multiple research projects to reduce costs per topic.
Flashcard 6: Describe the concept of 'public agenda.'
Answer: The public agenda is a list of issues that are perceived by the political community as meriting public attention. Determines which issues receive government and media attention.
Flashcard 7: What is a benchmark poll?
Answer: A benchmark poll is the initial poll used to gauge support for a candidate or issue. Establishes baseline data before campaigns or initiatives begin.
Flashcard 8: What is the role of the media in shaping public opinion?
Answer: The media informs the public and can influence opinions through coverage. Sets the agenda and frames how issues are understood.
Flashcard 9: What is a panel survey?
Answer: A panel survey involves the same individuals at multiple points in time. Tracks attitude changes in the same respondents over time.
Flashcard 10: Identify the importance of demographic questions in surveys.
Answer: Demographic questions help to analyze how different groups respond. Enables analysis of how different subgroups view issues.
Flashcard 11: Define random sampling.
Answer: Random sampling gives each member of the population an equal chance of being selected. This method reduces bias and ensures representative results.
Flashcard 12: Identify one factor that can lead to polling errors.
Answer: Nonresponse bias can lead to errors. Occurs when certain groups are less likely to participate.
Flashcard 13: What is a push poll?
Answer: A push poll is designed to influence rather than measure public opinion. Uses loaded questions to sway voters rather than measure opinion.
Flashcard 14: What does a tracking poll monitor?
Answer: Tracking polls monitor changes in public opinion over time. Conducted repeatedly to show trends and shifting attitudes.
Flashcard 15: Define exit poll.
Answer: Exit polls survey voters immediately after they leave the polling station. Provides immediate feedback on voting behavior and decisions.
Flashcard 16: What is a quota sample?
Answer: A quota sample is selected to ensure certain characteristics are represented. Uses predetermined quotas to match population demographics.
Flashcard 17: Describe the bandwagon effect in public opinion.
Answer: The bandwagon effect is when people adopt beliefs because others do. People follow perceived popular opinion rather than personal views.
Flashcard 18: Define deliberative polling.
Answer: Deliberative polling involves informed discussion before measuring opinion. Participants receive information before expressing their views.
Flashcard 19: Describe a straw poll.
Answer: A straw poll is an informal survey used to gauge public opinion. Often unscientific and not representative of the population.
Flashcard 20: Why is the timing of a poll significant?
Answer: Timing can affect results, especially if events influence opinions. Major events or news can temporarily shift public attitudes.
Flashcard 21: What is a sample in the context of polling?
Answer: A sample is a subset of a population used to represent the whole. Allows researchers to study the whole without surveying everyone.
Flashcard 22: What is a margin of error in polling?
Answer: The margin of error indicates the range of accuracy in a poll's results. Usually expressed as plus or minus a percentage (e.g., ±3%).
Flashcard 23: Describe the term 'leading question.'
Answer: A leading question suggests a particular answer to the respondent. Pushes respondents toward a specific answer through bias.
Flashcard 24: What is a Likert scale?
Answer: A Likert scale measures the degree of agreement with a statement. Uses numbered scales from strongly disagree to strongly agree.
Flashcard 25: Identify a factor affecting the reliability of polls.
Answer: Question wording can affect reliability. Biased or unclear questions can skew responses significantly.
Flashcard 26: What is the role of a pollster?
Answer: A pollster designs and conducts polls to gather public opinion data. Professional who specializes in measuring public attitudes.
Flashcard 27: What is a probability sample?
Answer: A probability sample is one in which every member of the population has a known chance of being selected. Allows for statistical calculations and confidence intervals.
Flashcard 28: What is nonresponse bias?
Answer: Nonresponse bias occurs when individuals who do not respond differ from those who do. Creates skewed results when nonrespondents have different views.
Flashcard 29: What is a longitudinal study?
Answer: A longitudinal study collects data from the same subjects over time. Tracks changes in attitudes and behaviors over time.
Flashcard 30: What is the difference between a poll and a survey?
Answer: Polls are typically brief and for gauging opinion; surveys are more detailed. Polls focus on specific questions; surveys are comprehensive.