lecture_nine

Lecture 9
The Perils of Polling

I. Objections to Polling from Democratic Theory

A. The Anti-Plebescitary Objection:
Polling gives too much power to public opinion

B. The Plebescitary Objection:
Polling allows government officials to manipulate public opinion

II. Problems With the Accuracy of Polls

A. Sampling

B. Random error

1. Confidence level

2. Margin of error

C. Question wording/survey design

D. Nonattitudes

E. Lack of Deliberation

F. Intensity

III. Conclusion: Polling and the Plebescitary Vision

	A. The Anti-Plebescitary Objection: Polling gives too much power to public opinion
	B. The Plebescitary Objection: Polling allows government officials to manipulate public opinion