Lecture on Public Opinion and Media

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from the lecture on public opinion, surveys, and media influence.

Margin of Error

The amount of statistical error in survey calculations, indicating the uncertainty of results.

Question Wording Bias

The influence that the phrasing of a survey question has on respondents' answers.

Bandwagon Effect

The phenomenon where people are more likely to support a candidate or policy if they believe that others are also supporting it.

Push Polls

Surveys designed to influence respondents' opinions rather than measure them, often by asking leading questions.

Illusion of Saliency

The false impression that certain issues are extremely important based on public opinion polls.

Equal Time Rule

A regulation that requires broadcast stations to provide equal broadcasting time to all political candidates.

Fairness Doctrine

A former policy that required broadcasters to present both sides of controversial issues; repealed in 1987.

Print Media

Forms of media, such as newspapers and magazines, that are not subject to federal regulation and can publish without prior restraint.

Libel

The act of publishing false statements about someone that can harm their reputation, leading to a lawsuit.

Framing

The way in which the media presents information to influence the audience's interpretation of events.