Barstow Community College Statistics Discussion

When the results of a survey or poll are published, the sample size and the margin of error are both given. For example: 1000 voters were surveyed and 39±2% of the voters agree with the president. In this example N=1000 and the margin of error (MoE) is 2%.

This website lists several public opinion polls. Search the site and find a poll where the sample size and margin of error are given. Try to find a poll dealing with a topic in your profession or one in which you are really interested.

http://www.pollingreport.comLinks to an external site.

Determine the following information for the selected poll results and include in your post:

1. URL for the website
2. Using your own words, state the topic of the poll in a full sentence.
3. State the sample size and margin of error.
4. Interpret the results of your poll using your own words and full sentences. Note: Depending on the question asked, your poll may have more than one poll result – you only need to discuss one result.
5. Looking at the results with respect to the margin of error, is there a significant difference among the various responses to the question being asked? (Hint: Calculate opposing results + or – margin of error. Would they overlap? If they do, the results are NOT significantly different. If they are still far apart, then they are significantly different.)
6. What role could sampling have played in determining these results?