Scientific Polling
Definition
Scientific polling involves using statistical methods to ensure that samples are representative of larger populations. It's designed to minimize bias and maximize accuracy in measuring public opinion.
Analogy
Imagine scientific polling as baking cookies with a recipe. You need specific ingredients (representative samples) in precise amounts (statistical methods) for the cookies (poll results) to turn out right.
Related terms
Random Sampling: A method where every individual has an equal chance of being selected for participation in a survey or poll.
Margin Of Error: The range within which the true value lies for all possible samples; it provides an estimate of how much scores might vary if we conducted the same poll again under identical circumstances.
Demographics: Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it, often used in polling to ensure diverse representation.
"Scientific Polling" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (3)
What factors can influence the accuracy of data in scientific polling?
How does push polling differ from scientific polling in measuring public opinion?
Which historical event directly influenced the shift from public opinion being gauged primarily by newspapers to being measured through scientific polling?
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