What are some examples of bias in polls?

What are some examples of bias in polls?

Bias in polls can occur in various ways, such as selection bias, response bias, and question wording bias. For instance, if a poll only surveys people from a specific demographic, it may not accurately represent the entire population.

Can you explain selection bias in more detail?

Sure! Selection bias happens when the sample surveyed is not representative of the larger population. For example, if a poll about political opinions only includes responses from people who attend a particular event, it may skew the results.

What about response bias? How does that work?

Response bias occurs when respondents answer questions in a way that does not reflect their true feelings or opinions. This can happen due to social desirability, where people provide answers they think are more acceptable rather than their honest views.

Are there any famous examples of biased polls?

Yes, one famous example is the 1936 Literary Digest poll, which predicted that Alf Landon would win the presidency. The poll was biased because it surveyed a wealthy demographic, leading to inaccurate results.