AP Govt Public Opinion Vocab

Public Opinion

A collection of popular views about something, perhaps a person, local/national event, or a new idea

Focus Group

A small group of people assembled for a conversation, led by a moderator, about specific issues

Scientific Poll

A representative poll of randomly selected respondents with a statistically significant sample size, using neutral language (unbiased)

Sample

A group of individuals form a larger population used to measure public opinions

Random Selection

Everyone who is an appropriate subject of the poll has an equal chance of being selected for a particular survey.

Representative Sample

A sample that reflects the characteristics/demographics of a population

Sampling Error

The margin of error in a poll is typically calculated to be within +3 or -3 percentage points.

Exit Poll

A survey concluded outside of polling places in which people are asked who and what they just voted for and why. It may over represent voters favoring certain candidates.

Benchmark Poll

A survey taken at the beginning of a political campaign to gauge support for a candidate and determine which issues are most important to voters

Tracking Poll

A survey determining the level of support for a candidate or issue throughout a campaign

Random Digit Dialing

The use of telephone numbers randomly generated by computer to select potential survey candidates

Question Wording

The phrasing of a question to a public poll.

Gender Gap

The gender gap in voting refers to the long-term trend in the U.S. where women, on average, register and vote at higher rates than men and tend to favor Democratic candidates, while men more often support Republican candidates.

Political Socialization

The lifelong process through which individuals develop their political beliefs, values, and behaviors by internalizing norms and attitudes from their environment

Agent of Political Socialization

Any person, institution, or factor that influences an individual's political beliefs, values, and attitudes throughout their life

Generational Effect

Distinct political attitudes and beliefs shared by a generation due to the unique historical events, social circumstances, and cultural experiences they encountered during their formative years

Life-Cycle Effect

The impact of a person’s age and stage of life on that person’s political views

Political Ideology

A set of ethical ideals, principles, and values that explains how society should work and defines the proper role of government.

Approval Ratings

The percentage of respondents to an opinion poll who approve of a particular person, policy, or program.

Push Polls

More propaganda, gives negative views about a candidate in effort to change the voter’s mind