Polls play an important role in the arena of politics. Surely you saw many polls for the recent mid-term elections regarding both individual candidates and the major parties as well. If conducted in a scientific manner they can prove to be a fairly authentic reflection of how the country, or sub-groups within the country, view certain issues.
Criticisms of polls abound. Even scientific polls are not without their flaws. People assume polls indicate the imply some level of importance to a particular subject. And, polls may be used by candidates or interest groups to influence, instead of reflect, public opinion.
The saavy student of government and politics knows how to evaluate polls, what they actually mean, and whether or not they make politicians leaders or followers.
Before you begin reading your reading assignment, check out the following brief video about polls:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HgYat0AEM4
BE SURE TO JOT DOWN SOME NOTES FROM THE VIDEO!
After viewing the video and completing your reading assignment (SEE YOUR CALENDAR!):
1. make a list of why it is important to measure public opinion.
2. make a list of characteristics of what makes an "effective" poll.
Bring to class tomorrow.
Coming soon...an online discussion on your research of the Pew Center for the People and the Press.
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