Econ Homework
Worksheet #3
Chapter Five: Public Opinion
9th Edition page numbering are highlighted, 10th ed. are not.
Struggle Chapter Five
1) Define opinion poll/sample survey. What makes a poll random? What are some problems with polls and surveys?
An Opinion Poll is an assessment of public opinion obtained by questioning a representative sample. All polls are based on the idea of a random sample. Two methods are used to get the sample. One is called Random Digital Dialing in which the pollster carefully chooses an area code and prefix and then picks the next four digits at random. This method generates a good random sample since it hits all in the selected area with equal probability, including unlisted numbers. The second method takes telephone numbers from a telephone book or list and uses them, or sometimes randomizes the final digit to hit unlisted numbers. Some problems with polls and surveys are how they are worded, decreased willingness of Americans to participate in surveys, increased use of caller ID to screen pollster calls, and the difficulty of surveying people who rely on cell phones.
2) List and explain the four categories of American political ideology, particularly regarding the proper role of the government in the economy and social issues (see page 147 or 147-148)
The Four American political ideologies include libertarians, socialists, American liberals, and conservatives. Libertarians favor almost no government at all, whereas socialists, at the other end of the spectrum, favor a high degree of government intervention. At the center of the spectrum, American liberals and conservatives represent a balance of the two extremes.
American liberalism argues that the government needs to act to ensure equality among its citizens. In current politics many liberals are pushing for gay rights, affirmative action, open immigration, and similar policies. Conservatism argues that the government’s main job is to protect freedom and
Chapter Five: Public Opinion
9th Edition page numbering are highlighted, 10th ed. are not.
Struggle Chapter Five
1) Define opinion poll/sample survey. What makes a poll random? What are some problems with polls and surveys?
An Opinion Poll is an assessment of public opinion obtained by questioning a representative sample. All polls are based on the idea of a random sample. Two methods are used to get the sample. One is called Random Digital Dialing in which the pollster carefully chooses an area code and prefix and then picks the next four digits at random. This method generates a good random sample since it hits all in the selected area with equal probability, including unlisted numbers. The second method takes telephone numbers from a telephone book or list and uses them, or sometimes randomizes the final digit to hit unlisted numbers. Some problems with polls and surveys are how they are worded, decreased willingness of Americans to participate in surveys, increased use of caller ID to screen pollster calls, and the difficulty of surveying people who rely on cell phones.
2) List and explain the four categories of American political ideology, particularly regarding the proper role of the government in the economy and social issues (see page 147 or 147-148)
The Four American political ideologies include libertarians, socialists, American liberals, and conservatives. Libertarians favor almost no government at all, whereas socialists, at the other end of the spectrum, favor a high degree of government intervention. At the center of the spectrum, American liberals and conservatives represent a balance of the two extremes.
American liberalism argues that the government needs to act to ensure equality among its citizens. In current politics many liberals are pushing for gay rights, affirmative action, open immigration, and similar policies. Conservatism argues that the government’s main job is to protect freedom and