Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Gallup Refuses to Answer Inquiry
A formal complaint was emailed to the Gallup Organization several weeks ago asking them to require broadcast media to cite the sample size everytime they use Gallup Poll information. Despite a commitment on their web site to contact people with concerns within two business days, they have yet to respond. On their website where they discuss survey methods the following statement was noted. "In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls."(http://gallup.com/content/print.aspx?ci=12760) The Gallup Organization acknowledges that even its scientific methods can be influenced. I am at a lost to understand a reluctance on their part to take a stand against the misuse of their poll results. Americans are encouraged to get involved in the political process and gather information about candidates and issues. The misuse of polls by broadcast media cuts that process short and gives the majority of Americans information based on what less than two thousand believe. Make your voice heard and contact the Gallup Organization. http://gallup.com/help/contactUs/
