Suchergebnisse

In this chapter, the author examines the different types of research methodology used in public opinion research, what is being measured in public opinion research -- behavior, knowledge, & views, & distinguishes between opinions, attitudes, & values. References. D. Miller

It is shown that the index to the Public Opinion Quarterly cannot be an objective record of the res that was done because it is dependent upon editorial decisions. It is pointed out that PO res'ers are concerned with issues that are salient to the time the res was undertaken. Examples from the index are presented to substantiate this. It is shown that not only is the res related to specific historical periods, but also the terminology which is used changes. A delineation of the types of perennially interesting res is made. G. Satt.

Polling politics, media and election campagins. Literatuursignalering van een artikel uit Public Opinion Quarterly 69/5 en van een artikel uit Applied Linguistics 26/4

Compares topics addressed in public opinion surveys conducted in Japan 1975-1990. The use of the Basic Residents Registers as a sampling frame has increased. The plurality of surveys drew their samples from a single city. The proportion of mail surveys increased, whereas personal interviews & drop-off self-administered surveys decreased. Response rates (RRs) for all major questionnaire administration methods decreased. Despite the decline, the median RR was 75.2% during this period. Other findings include: (1) RRs of urban areas declined more sharply than those of rural areas; (2) overall RRs of males were about 10% lower than those of females; (3) RRs of females in their twenties had the steepest decline; & (4) refusals almost doubled. Reasons for these changes are discussed & it is noted that the decreasing RRs probably reflect changes in lifestyles & attitudes toward surveys. 6 Figures, 20 References. Adapted from the source document.

Classroom use of a role-playing procedure can illustrate graphically the way SES, personal interests, primary group affiliation, secondary group membership, & other factors enter into the formation of individual opinions on public issues. This technique can also highlight the diff between private opinion & PO, indicate the mechanism through which a relatively few individuals can influence the opinions of a large number, & throw light on the effects of publicity & public discussion on the distribution of opinions in a pop. Adaptations of this 'game' may prove useful as a res tool. AA.

The phenomenon of PO was recognized & described in ancient, medieval, & early modern times although the term itself was not used until the 18th cent. PO is sometimes regarded as undefinable, but F. Allport listed its characteristics: as action or readiness for action with regard to a given issue on the part of members of a public who are reacting in the expectation that others in the public are similarly oriented toward the same issue. The characteristics of PO have not been linked into a theoretical framework, & progress in measuring & describing aspects of PO has outstripped conceptualization. The PO process begins when an issue takes root & is communicated through a human chain & finds one or more groupings hospitable to it. Next, leadership emerges from the original primary groups or by men who are concerned with mass manipulation. Simplification & generalization of the original ideas are usually observed at this point. Communications are important at this stage because they can transmit facts & opinions about the issue to many primary groups. If a substantial number of individuals accept the new ideas, there is a chance that PO may develop. It is noted that those who agree/disagree with an issue are clustered in certain pop groups & not scattered at random. Face-to-face discussions begin again, similar to the original discussions except that people are aware that many other people are talking about the same thing. New formulations & new leadership may modify or reinforce the original idea at this time. Most of us enter the process at this stage & form our act's on the basis of existing att's, our daily contacts, or status considerations. Through personal sampling consciously or unconsciously, people learn of the opinions of others outside their immediate group & the way these people are likely to behave. Once these expectations have been formed, they tend to influence opinions & behavior of the people who entertain the expectations. The behavioral adjustments in turn reinforce the expectations; & when this happens, PO has been formed. Individuals who may be unconcerned with the issue are brought into the process at this stage. A definition of public offered: a large collection of individuals who do not know each other but who react to an issue with the expectation that certain categories of others will display similar alt's on the same issue. PO is transitory & disappears imperceptibly; when the issue disappears, the behavioral adjustment ceases to have purpose. PO on one issue may be displaced by PO on another, it may be broken up by superior physical force where the former behavioral adjustment become incompatible with personal safety or attainment of other values, it may lead to the formation of customs or soc norms before it is dissipated, or it may lead to formal laws or constitutions. J. D. Twight.

A new technique for gauging PO, designed to complement regular PO surveys, is discussed. The method is based on a refinement of the 'abrometer' areas or 'referendum' approach. 4 countries were selected, each with a record of accurately reflecting the sentiment of its area in the last 4 presidential elections. Election data for each county were carefully analyzed, & this information was then used to select 3 or more small units which, taken together, provided an accurate reflection of the whole county. In this way a referendum becomes manageable & yet produces enough ballots to provide a reliable result for the county. Voters were asked to check questions pro & con certain public issues. The results obtained passed certain tests for present-day representativeness. Both nat'l & regional results of a subsequent survey matched those obtained with the referendum method. It is felt that this technique requires less expertise & is less costly than a regular survey. It can be widely employed to shed light on the public's views on local issues & to illuminate, for the benefit of the representatives of the people, the state of PO on major issues confronting the nation. 2 Tables. Modified HA.

Reports data from 1979 through 1993. Examines trends in the public's definition of the energy situation, attitudes toward energy institutions, preferred energy alternatives, and preferences on transportation issues.

The concept of alienation is defined, discussed, & diff'iated.

Analyzes topical areas, sampling frame, administration methods, and response rates of surveys; 1975-90.