Public Opinion Poll / Political Survey (Due Oct. 22nd)
Part I: (10 points)
1. Search two credible polls. (i.e. gallup.com, rasmussenreports.com , zogby.com or
nbc/wall street journal)
2. What do polls suggest about the public’s opinion on health care? Identify two
different polls and interpret how the public views health care reform.
3. What question was asked? Is the wording similar? If not, how do you think
difference in wording might have reflected a change in the response?
Part II: (10 points)
Directions: Polls are often conducted in an effort to collect information from the general
public for use by government officials and candidates. While polls are not wholly 100%
accurate, they do provide snapshots of how the general public feels about a position,
issue, or candidate. Polls may also provide information regarding general knowledge of
issues by citizens.
Your job will be to:
1. Conduct a public knowledge survey or public opinion poll
2. Decide whether you want to create a survey poll that asks opinions regarding issues
and/or officials or whether you want to survey the general knowledge of your
respondents about civic issues/officials.
3. Poll or survey at least 20 people to provide more accurate data. Make sure the polling
is as random as possible. (You may use your classmates, friends, or family, but ask
people who are your age or older, not your 9 yr. old brother …….yes, this actually
happened).
4. Identify the groups you plan to target based on age, gender, or background. The poll
will be more effective if you identify a wider range of ages, gender, and race.
5. Come up with at least 3 questions for the public opinion poll. Pay close attention to the
wording of your poll question. Be sure not to “lead” the respondent.
Or
Come up with at least 5-6 questions regarding general knowledge that you feel all
citizens should, as a civic participant, be aware of.
Note: If writing questions for a poll write a clear, unbiased question. This takes
great care and discipline.
For example: Questions about policy issues have an even greater range of wording
options.
Should we describe programs like food stamps and Section 8 housing grants as "welfare"
or as "programs for the poor" when asking whether the public favors or opposes them?
Should we identify Obama’s health care program in terms of "reform" or as "an overhaul
of the health care system" when asking about support of the program?
When measuring support for the US pullout in Afghanistan should we say the United
States should conduct “a phased withdraw” or should the U.S. “cut and run.” Any of
these wording choices could have a substantial impact on the levels of support recorded
in the poll
6. Compile the figures into a table or chart accurately grouping the information.
7. Write a summary of your findings.