What to look for in opinion polls

[Win2Win]

Poll results are not to be taken lightly or readily accepted at face value, a market research expert has warned.

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[el capitan]

Sir Humphrey Appleby: Mr. Woolley, are you worried about the rise in crime among teenagers?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do you think there is lack of discipline and vigorous training in our Comprehensive Schools?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do you think young people welcome some structure and leadership in their lives?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do they respond to a challenge?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Might you be in favour of reintroducing National Service?
Bernard Woolley: Er, I might be.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Yes or no?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Of course, after all you've said you can't say no to that. On the other hand, the surveys can reach opposite conclusions.


[survey two]
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Mr. Woolley, are you worried about the danger of war?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Are you unhappy about the growth of armaments?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do you think there's a danger in giving young people guns and teaching them how to kill?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do you think it's wrong to force people to take arms against their will?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Would you oppose the reintroduction of conscription?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.[does a double-take]
Sir Humphrey Appleby: There you are, Bernard. The perfectly balanced sample.

[KeithD]

Poll results are not to be taken lightly or readily accepted at face value, a market research expert has warned.

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Takes an expert to tell me that?

[walesrob]

Poll results are not to be taken lightly or readily accepted at face value, a market research expert has warned.

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I predict Gordon Brown will win with a stunning majority at the next election.

[KeithD]

I predict Gordon Brown will win with a stunning majority at the next election.

He's taking over Plaid Cymru then?

[walesrob]

He's taking over Plaid Cymru then?

Yep, he's now Gordon ap Brown Iolo a'r Cymru

[johncar54]

I just did a survey about whether Brown would win the next general election, 100% of those I questioned said he would.

Oh, I only asked one person !!!!!!!