Public Opinion & Polling

Discussions & ActivityChapter 11.1

What is public opinion? Why is it important to our democracy?

• The attitudes and beliefs held by a significant number of Americans.

• Importance:–Drives the concept of Republic– Emphasizes the Will of the majority– Sets the public agenda–Determines direction of public policy

Sources that influence public opinion

• Personal Background– Demographic factors affect opinions: Men think

differently than women; income shapes opinions; Race shapes views; occupation affects views, age and world experience also shapes opinions.

• The Mass Media– Images, poignant stories, bandwagon issues, and

watchdog stories all shape public opinion

Sources that influence public opinion

• Public Officials– The President is the biggest shaper of public

opinion. He communicates directly with Americans through the media. This is called the “Bully Pulpit.”

– Franking privilege helps members of Congress communicate with constituents.

• Interest Groups– Lobby members of all branches to support their

group’s views. Use mass media to get out their message.

3 features of public opinion

• Direction– Do people generally feel negatively or positively

about a topic?

• Intensity– How strongly do people feel about a topic? Do they

feel vehemently or ambivalently about the topic?

• Stability– How likely are opinions about a topic likely to

change?

Polling Basics• To truly measure public opinion, the sample

must be reflective of the diverse nature of the population.– Random sampling helps ensure diversity; everyone

has an equal opportunity of being polled.• Push polling is when the pollster asks a loaded

question to elicit the response they want from the sample.– These polls are biased and unreliable.– Wording must be neutral without a right or wrong

answer to properly measure public opinion.

Why are polls not always accurate?

• Biased sample• Uninformed sample• Biased question• Biased pollster• Bandwagon issues

Polling Activity• You & a partner will choose a topic on which

to gauge the class’s opinion. No two groups may poll on the same topic.

• Phrase a non-biased question about your subject by which to gauge the class’s opinion. This should NOT be a yes or no question!

• Poll the class as your sample. • Interpret your results.

Final Product• Requirements– Write the question at the top of the paper.– Using a bar graph, plot out your results, visually displaying the

view and the number holding the view.– Label the bar graph with an easily identifiable legend.– Determine the direction of the class’s opinion and explain your

assessment.– Analyze the intensity of the class’s opinion.– Assess the stability of the class’s opinion. Include what you

feel may or may not change the views of your classmates.

• Due at the beginning of class tomorrow. Do the research today. Complete the product before tomorrow.

Assignment

• Read chapter 11.2 to complete the organizer on the media.

• Due tomorrow.