Polls - what polls?

Question

Everyday we hear the results of polls conducted relating to one thing or another. Most of these seem to be in regard to some political issue. We hear politicians say "the American people want - - "; is this based on the polls? Who conducts these polls? How are they conducted? Who decides who will be included in the poll? It seems to me that in most cases the politicians are wrong so are the polls anywhere near accurate? Is this concept like the old percentage drill – “82% of the people - - “ nobody challenges the figures so you can say about anything! I am almost 70 years old - no one has ever asked my opinion and I have never met anyone who has participated in one other than evening new one liners.

Answer 1

Well, I have done a Nielsen diary or two over the years.

Scientifically speaking, you don't need to ask millions of people to get a scientifical valid sample, just like you don't need to flip a coin a million times to find out that it comes up tails 50 percent of the time. It's a matter of coming up with the proper number for a scientifically accurate sample, which uses a good knowledge of probability. (For example, if you have a room of 30 people, the odds are better than even that two of them will have the same birthday.)

The pollsters obviously have a lot at stake here; if the pros don't use good methods, they will be exposed and out of business. The polls without good samples (Web polls, for example) or bad questions (hypotheticals, usually sponsored by political parties) are worthless. The tool is only as good as the person using it.

Answer 2

I have been polled once, about 20 years ago. The polling company called and asked if I was willing to participate. I said yes and they called me back a few days later. I thought it would be a quick few questions but the pollster asked me heaps of detailed info about my age, job, education, marital status etc. Then they asked me numerous questions such as who I would vote for, who do I usually vote for at state and federal elections and then dozens of other questions unrelated to politics, such as what I normally ate for breakfast. A week or so later someone called me back and checked on some of the answers. if someone wants to poll me in the future, I think I will say no. It is too time consuming.

Answer 3

i just think poll is important

Answer 4

good

Answer 5

is very important,because it represents the will of the people

Answer 6

i use polls to get points so i can ask math questions

Answer 7

Oh okay