Chapter 8 Section 1 Public Opinion Poll Main Idea: How do public opinion polls measure public opinion?

How do we measure public opinion?

Elections only give a broad view of public opinion.

A public opinion poll is the most accurate way to measure public opinion

Polls Companies ask the American public questions on products, political issues, and other topic to find out their opinion Group use information to make improvements Best known – Gallup Poll and Harris Survey

Pollsters Pollsters: People who take the polls Those giving the poll want a group that reflect American population 1,500 People Pick people at random, but try to make sure there are different types of gender, race, religions, ages, and incomes included Those giving the poll have to be careful that the wording of poll is not biased.

Effect of Polls Mass Media often publish polls – shape public opinion

Types of Questions Example: A principal has the right to censor articles written for the school newspaper.

Forced-Choice Question Does a principal have the right to censor articles written for the school newspaper? Yes or No?

Scaled Question A principal has the right to censor articles written for the school newspaper. Always Sometimes Never

Ranked Question Rank a principal’s rights in order of importance, with 1 being most important and 3 being least important. REVIEWING ARTICLES FOR THE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER EXAMINING STUDENTS’ LOCKERS APPROVING STUDENT FIELD TRIP DESTINATIONS http://www.gallup.com/poll/168068/americans-view-obama-better-environment-energy.aspx http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubR8rEgSZSU