The Polling Center at Jackson State University’s Institute of Government (IOG) released a national survey that reveals some people lie when responding to biased questions, and many prefer cash and the Internet for participation.
The “Poll on Research and Polling” was conducted Aug. 12-20 and involved 1,000 adults explaining their national views on market and social research as well as public polling.
Dr. Otha Burton Jr., associate professor and executive director of IOG, said, “Polling is in your face, aggressive, perceived as biased, outcome-driven. Frequently, the public is left unsure what trending is to be trusted.”
Among results:
• Only about one-quarter of all respondents believed research and polling are unbiased and fair.
• The most credible and believable sponsors of public polls were nonprofits and academia (including college/ university polling institutes: 42.0% and 40.8%, respectively)
• Respondents (54.7%) indicated that they have witnessed bias or leading questions in polling that they have seen or participated in
• Most polled (80.7%) selected Internet or online surveys when asked to report their preferred formats for completing surveys and polls
Interest is greatest in polls covering the following topics (in declining order): healthcare, jobs/economy, education, immigration, government spending/ deficit, taxes/tax rates, and crime.