Theory question 104
Public Opinion and Mass Media(a) Define opinion poll.
(b) State five factors that make the conduct of public opinion unreliable in West Africa.
Show the model answer
Model answer
(a) An opinion poll is a survey in which a sample of people are asked questions to find out the views of the population on an issue or candidate.
(b) Any five: high illiteracy; poor sampling and lack of reliable population data; fear of victimisation, so people hide their real views; poor transport and communication to rural areas; manipulation/bias by sponsors and pollsters; high cost; apathy and lack of interest; ethnic and religious bias in responses; government control of the media; language barriers.
Explanation
Compare your answer with the model answer: it lists the points a full-mark answer needs.