Public Opinion: Delegate vs Trustee; Scientific Measurement of Public Opinion

Flashcards covering the delegate vs trustee models of representation and key concepts in the scientific measurement of public opinion, including sampling terminology and survey biases.

What is the difference between the delegate and trustee models of representation in terms of how public opinion should influence government?

Delegate: representatives mirror public opinion; Trustee: representatives use their own judgment even if it conflicts with public opinion.

What is a 'sample' in the scientific measurement of public opinion?

A subset of the population selected to represent the whole and estimate population characteristics.

What is the 'population' in polling terms?

The entire group the poll aims to study.

What is a 'representative sample'?

A sample that accurately reflects the population’s characteristics so findings can be generalized.

What is a 'demographically representative sample'?

A sample that matches the population on demographics like age, gender, race, etc.

What is 'nonresponse bias'?

Bias that occurs when nonrespondents differ from respondents, leading to an unrepresentative sample.

What is 'margin of error'?

The range within which the true population value is expected to lie, given a certain confidence level and sample size.

What is 'social desirability bias'?

Tendency to give responses that are socially acceptable rather than truthful.

What are 'ordering effects' in surveys?

The order of questions can influence respondents' answers.

What are 'double-barreled questions'?

Questions that combine two issues in one, making it hard to answer clearly.

What are 'leading questions'?

Questions that suggest a preferred answer.

How does sample size relate to the margin of error?

Larger sample sizes reduce the margin of error; the margin of error decreases as sample size increases.

Why do pollsters generally not use sample sizes as large as 4,500?

Because larger samples cost more and yield diminishing returns in precision.