1. 2-3: Public Opinion Polls

2. Big Idea: Methods of Political Analysis
Enduring Understanding:
Public opinion is measured through scientific polling, and the results of public opinion polls influence public policies and institutions.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the elements of a scientific poll.
Explain the quality and credibility of claims based on public opinion data.

3. Public Opinion Polling
Background
Origins
Early attempts
Polls help politicians decide how to present issues
Opinion Polls
Benchmark Polls
Tracking Polls
Entrance and Exit Polls
Focus Groups

4. Scientific Polling Sampling Steps
Small portion of the population chosen as representative of the whole
Sampling error
Level of confidence
Determined by sampling size
Steps
Define population
Find a random sample
Every member of population must have equal chance of being selected
Conduct by telephone or face-to-face interviews

5. Polls and Democracy Pros Cons Open for Interpretation
Contributes to democracy
Cons
Can manipulate public opinion through bandwagon effect
Weakens effectiveness of public protests
Open for Interpretation
Transforms leaders into followers
Political Awareness
Polls reveal alarming lack of knowledge
74% can name 3 stooges, 42% can name 3 branches of government
25% can name both their senators
50% can identify the Bill of Rights