Gallup poll

Gallup Poll

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A Gallup poll is a type of public opinion poll that is conducted by Gallup, Inc., an American analytics and advisory company founded by George Gallup in 1935. Gallup polls are known for their scientific approach to measuring public opinion and have been a significant tool in understanding the views and attitudes of the public on various issues, including politics, economics, and social matters.

History

The history of Gallup polls dates back to the early 20th century when George Gallup pioneered methods for surveying public opinion. His work was groundbreaking in that it introduced scientific sampling techniques to the field of public opinion research. Gallup's methods were first put to the test in the 1936 U.S. presidential election, where his poll accurately predicted the victory of Franklin D. Roosevelt over Alf Landon, despite other polls predicting a different outcome.

Methodology

Gallup polls utilize a variety of methodologies to ensure accurate and reliable results. The key components of Gallup's methodology include:

• Sampling: Gallup uses random sampling techniques to select a representative sample of the population. This ensures that the results are reflective of the broader public opinion.
• Question Design: Questions are carefully crafted to avoid bias and to elicit clear, unbiased responses from participants.
• Data Collection: Gallup collects data through various means, including telephone interviews, online surveys, and face-to-face interviews.
• Data Analysis: The collected data is analyzed using statistical techniques to interpret the results and draw conclusions about public opinion.

Impact and Influence

Gallup polls have had a significant impact on public discourse and policy-making. They provide valuable insights into the opinions and attitudes of the public, which can influence political campaigns, government policies, and business strategies. Gallup's findings are often cited by media outlets, researchers, and policymakers.

Criticism and Controversies

Despite their widespread use and influence, Gallup polls have faced criticism and controversies over the years. Some of the criticisms include:

• Sampling Errors: Critics argue that even with scientific sampling, there can be errors that lead to inaccurate results.
• Question Wording: The wording of questions can sometimes lead to biased or misleading results.
• Nonresponse Bias: The increasing difficulty in reaching respondents, particularly through telephone surveys, can lead to nonresponse bias.

Also see

• Public opinion
• Polling
• Survey methodology
• George Gallup
• Gallup, Inc.