Entrance vs. Exit Polls?
Entrance: Before voting. Exit: After voting.
Open-ended vs. Closed-ended questions?
Open: Detailed, harder to analyze. Closed: Easy to analyze, less nuance.
Mass Surveys vs. Focus Groups?
Mass Surveys: Quick, cheap, less detail. Focus Groups: In-depth, not representative.
Define public opinion.
Snapshot of what a population thinks about a specific issue, measured through surveys and polls.
What is an opinion poll?
A poll that gathers information on people's attitudes and views on different topics.
What is a benchmark poll?
A poll that measures public opinion over time to show how attitudes are changing on specific issues.
What is a tracking poll?
A poll that measures public opinion over time to show how attitudes are changing on specific issues.
Define entrance poll.
Poll conducted before voters cast their ballots to measure voter opinions.
Define exit poll.
Poll conducted after voters cast their ballots to measure voter opinions.
What is random sampling?
Sampling technique where everyone has an equal chance of being selected.
What is stratified sampling?
Sampling technique that divides the population into subgroups and samples from each to ensure representation.
What is cluster sampling?
Sampling technique that divides the population into groups and samples entire groups.
What is quota sampling?
Sampling technique to match the population's characteristics to ensure the sample looks like the real world.
Define sampling error.
When the sample doesn't accurately represent the population.
What are closed-ended questions?
Multiple choice or Likert scale questions. Easy to analyze but can miss nuance.
What are open-ended questions?
Questions that allow for written responses. More detailed but harder to analyze.
How do opinion polls shape public opinion?
Cause: Polls highlight viewpoints. Effect: Can make a viewpoint seem like the majority, even if it's not.
How do benchmark/tracking polls shape public opinion?
Cause: Track opinions over time. Effect: Can increase pressure on lawmakers to adopt popular policies.
How do entrance/exit polls shape public opinion?
Cause: Provide early election indications. Effect: Shape media narratives and can influence voter behavior.
How does question wording affect survey results?
Cause: Biased or leading questions. Effect: Skewed results that don't accurately reflect public opinion.
