The problem is Pols write the questions in most “polls”, and the “neutral” ones church mentions are as rare as hen’s teeth, and do NOT make headlines, or even back page entries.
A few years ago, I received a phone call from an organization doing a poll on a local issue. I could not give my own answers, but had to select the best fit from the multiple choices. It was, and still is, a nuanced issue, but the organization made sure that the results reflected its pov.
There is quite a bit of science on polling questions – indeed, on any kind of opinion-based questionnaire, ranging from mood to politics. The science is called “psychometrics,” and while I have some issues with it myself (I’m a personality psychologist with a good deal of knowledge on the subject), I agree that you can’t throw out all the polls as useless.
There are a lot of sleazy polls out there, though; e.g., a specific concept known as a “push poll,” which not only is biased, but is also intended to push a specific opinion onto the person.
Oh, and I HIGHLY recommend How to Lie with Statistics. I think it should be required reading in grade school.
jaxaction over 14 years ago
yes, it IS easy, hence all the Political Action Committees, and THEIR polls…shape the question: then cull the answers…
tomcib over 14 years ago
Hello, Human: One of my high school math teachers had us study a book titled “How to Lie with Statistics”. A good read. Cheers!
twieliczka over 14 years ago
Finally!!
A poll that I can believe the results of the first 6 items!!
parkersinthehouse over 14 years ago
love and merry christmas tom the tank toles
Dtroutma over 14 years ago
The problem is Pols write the questions in most “polls”, and the “neutral” ones church mentions are as rare as hen’s teeth, and do NOT make headlines, or even back page entries.
annamargaret1866 over 14 years ago
A few years ago, I received a phone call from an organization doing a poll on a local issue. I could not give my own answers, but had to select the best fit from the multiple choices. It was, and still is, a nuanced issue, but the organization made sure that the results reflected its pov.
I was annoyed. :-)
Motivemagus over 14 years ago
There is quite a bit of science on polling questions – indeed, on any kind of opinion-based questionnaire, ranging from mood to politics. The science is called “psychometrics,” and while I have some issues with it myself (I’m a personality psychologist with a good deal of knowledge on the subject), I agree that you can’t throw out all the polls as useless. There are a lot of sleazy polls out there, though; e.g., a specific concept known as a “push poll,” which not only is biased, but is also intended to push a specific opinion onto the person. Oh, and I HIGHLY recommend How to Lie with Statistics. I think it should be required reading in grade school.
hastynote Premium Member over 14 years ago
The Cardinals tried something new when they elected John Paul II. They took a Pol!