Definition

Noun: A person whose job is to conduct surveys to measure public opinion. A poll taker systematically asks questions of individuals to gather data on their views, attitudes, or voting intentions.

Usage

A "poll taker" is a professional who administers opinion polls. They may work by telephone, in person, or online. The term is neutral and descriptive of the occupation.

Examples

• Before the election, a poll taker called to ask which candidate I preferred.
• The company hired several poll takers to survey customer satisfaction in the shopping mall.
• The results from the poll taker indicated a shift in public sentiment on the issue.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used interchangeably with "pollster," though "pollster" can also refer to the person or firm that designs and analyzes the poll, while "poll taker" typically refers to the individual conducting the interviews.
• In formal reports, the role might be described as "field interviewer" or "survey researcher," with "poll taker" being a more general, accessible term.

Variants and Related Words

• Pollster (noun): A person who conducts or analyzes opinion polls.
• Headcounter (noun, informal): A person who counts supporters or participants; a synonym for poll taker.
• Surveyor (noun): A broader term for someone who collects data by asking questions, which can include a poll taker.

Synonyms

• Opinion researcher
• Survey interviewer
• Canvasser (in a political context)

Related Phrases

• To take a poll: To conduct a survey of opinion.
  • The newspaper decided to take a poll on the new city policy.
• Opinion poll: The survey itself that a poll taker conducts.
  • The latest opinion poll shows a close race.

Noun

1. someone who conducts surveys of public opinion
   • a pollster conducts public opinion polls
   • a headcounter counts heads