While eating breakfast you read an article in the newspaper that uses a public opinion survey to support the claim that Americans are going to vote out congressional incumbents in the next election cycle
What sort of information would you need to know to assess the accuracy of the polling data? Make an argument for why, even in spite of concerns about accuracy, public opinion polls are generally reliable.
What will be an ideal response?
An ideal response will:
1, Discuss how survey research in general faces a range of problems in ensuring accuracy.
2, Explain how sample size, nonrandom samples, Internet polling, the rise of cell phone usage, leading questions, timing, and intensity all can affect the reliability of public opinion polls.
3, Argue that public opinion polls, when properly conducted, can capture generally rational public sentiments.
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Which of the following best describes the tone of the overwhelming majority of political campaign ads?
a. Positive b. Neutral c. Negative d. Beneficial
Referenda prohibiting same-sex marriages have been largely successful in those states where they have appeared on the ballot
Indicate whether this statement is true or false.
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Reynolds v. Sims established
a. constitutionality of gerrymandering. b. the "one person, one vote" standard. c. reapportionment criteria. d. the bicameral legislature. e. legislative district boundaries.
Identify the United States presidential candidate who famously used the slogan, "It's the economy, stupid!"
A) Ronald Reagan B) Walter Mondale C) Bill Clinton D) Bob Dole