Key Terms in Polling and Public Opinion

Vocabulary flashcards defining fundamental polling terms, sampling methodologies, and related electoral phenomena.

Scientific Poll

Measurement of public opinion through surveys built on sound methodology.

Stratified Random Sample

Variation of random sampling that divides the population, then randomly samples each group.

Simple Random Sample

A sample where every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected.

Bandwagon effect

Increased media coverage of candidates who poll high.

Bradley effect

The difference between a poll result and an election result in which voters gave a socially desirable poll response rather than a true response that might be perceived as racist.

Exit Poll

An election poll taken by interviewing voters as they leave a polling place.

Leading question

A question worded to lead a respondent to give a desired answer.

Margin of error

A number that states how far the poll results may be from the actual preferences of the total populations of citizens.

Public opinion

Collection of opinions of an individual or a group of individuals on a topic, person, or event.

Push poll

Politically biased campaign info presented as a poll in order to change minds.

Straw Poll

An informal and unofficial election poll conducted with a non-random population.