The Science of Polling

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02/01/2008

Feb. 01, 2008

The Science of Polling

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Would you say that polls are very reliable, somewhat reliable, somewhat unreliable, or very unreliable?

Sample sizes, the way those samples are selected, and the precise wording of questions can all influence the outcome of a poll. In this segment, Ira talks with polling experts about what makes a reliable poll and how polls should be conducted. Why is it that sometimes election exit polls seem to be right on the money, while other times election results can surprise even expert analysts?

Produced by Annette Heist, Senior Producer

Guests

Andrew Kohut
President, Pew Research Center

Director, Pew Research Center for the People
and the Press

Director, Pew Global Attitudes Project

Washington, DC
Karlyn Bowman
Senior Fellow

American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy
Research

Washington, DC
Charles Franklin
Professor, Political Science

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Co-Developer, www.pollster.com

Madison, Wisconsin

Feb. 01, 2008