Poll

A poll is a method of collecting data or opinions from a specific group of people, typically by asking a series of questions. Polls are commonly used in various fields such as politics, market research, sociology, and media to gauge public opinion or gather information on specific topics.

Types of Polls

Polls can be categorized into several types based on their methodology and purpose:

• Opinion poll: A survey of public opinion from a particular sample.
• Exit poll: Conducted immediately after voters have exited the polling stations.
• Push poll: A seemingly unbiased survey that is actually conducted to influence the respondent.
• Tracking poll: Repeated periodically with the same group to track changes in opinion over time.

Methodology

Polls can be conducted using various methods, including:

• Telephone survey: Polls conducted over the phone.
• Online survey: Polls conducted over the internet.
• Face-to-face interview: Polls conducted in person.
• Mail survey: Polls conducted through postal mail.

Sampling Techniques

The accuracy of a poll largely depends on the sampling technique used. Common sampling methods include:

• Random sampling: Every individual has an equal chance of being selected.
• Stratified sampling: The population is divided into subgroups, and samples are taken from each subgroup.
• Cluster sampling: The population is divided into clusters, and a random sample of clusters is selected.

Margin of Error

The margin of error is a measure of the accuracy of the poll results. It indicates the range within which the true value lies, with a certain level of confidence. A smaller margin of error indicates more precise results.

Applications

Polls are used in various fields for different purposes:

• Political polling: To predict election outcomes and understand public opinion on political issues.
• Market research: To understand consumer preferences and behaviors.
• Social research: To study societal trends and issues.
• Media: To gauge audience preferences and reactions.

Related Pages

• Survey methodology
• Public opinion
• Sampling (statistics)
• Questionnaire
• Data collection

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