Let's Talk Polling: A primer on terminology, analysis and validity of polls

[kenn3d]

12. Ok, I'll kick this back up once more.

Your efforts are very much appreciated Godhumor.

There's a ton of total foolishness in the poll related threads here on DU GDP, and many posts repeatedly express a near complete misunderstanding of what polls can tell us. Many members are so invested in their candidate that the only poll they'll accept is one that appears to say they're winning (even when it doesn't say that at all). The pollsters and their motives are maligned, the results are misinterpreted and twisted (often beyond recognition). And the partisans revel in taunts and toldyasos ad nauseum.

Actually learning how polls are conducted, the strengths and weaknesses of various polling methods, and the confidence and fallibility they necessarily bring with their reported results, is good for us. It fosters better understanding, and reduces unnecessary frustration.


Thanks for adding a bit of sanity to the topic. I hope a few more folks will read your OP this time through.