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advocacy poll
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advocacy poll

public opinion
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Quick Summary

An opinion poll is a method used to gather information about the views or beliefs of a specific group, with the aim of drawing inferences about a larger population. These polls typically involve a sample of individuals who are asked a standardized set of questions.1

Interest groups, NGOs, and unions often use informal polls, sometimes called straw votes, to gauge public opinion on issues important to their members. These informal polls are not conducted with proper sampling procedures and may encourage multiple votes from supporters. Their results are sometimes released to the media to make a cause appear more significant than it is, a practice known as advocacy polling.23

While polls can measure "what" or "how much," understanding "how" or "why" opinions are held is better suited for qualitative research. Polls are not always accurate predictors of future actions or voting behavior.43

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6 Britannica Sources
  1. public opinion - Interest groups
  2. public opinion - Nonscientific polling
  3. public opinion - Presentation of findings
  4. opinion poll
  5. public opinion - Interviewing
  6. public opinion - Political polls

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