Definition

Noun: A systematic investigation of the views, attitudes, or preferences of a population, typically conducted by asking questions to a scientifically selected group of individuals intended to represent the larger public.

Usage

A public opinion poll is a research tool used to measure and understand the collective opinion of a community or nation on specific issues, policies, or figures. It involves surveying a sample of people, with the results generalized to the broader population.

Examples

• The newspaper commissioned a public opinion poll to gauge voter sentiment before the election.
• According to the latest public opinion poll, support for the new environmental policy has increased.
• The accuracy of a public opinion poll depends heavily on how the sample is selected.

Advanced Usage

• "to conduct a public opinion poll": To carry out the process of polling.
  • The research firm will conduct a public opinion poll on healthcare reform.
• "polling data" or "poll results": The numerical findings or statistics generated by a poll.
  • The campaign manager analyzed the polling data to refine their strategy.

Variants and Related Words

• Poll (n): A common shortened form of "public opinion poll."
  • The poll shows a close race between the two candidates.
• Survey (n): A broader term for collecting data from a group of people, which can include opinion polls.
• Opinion survey (n): A near-synonymous phrase.

Synonyms

• Survey
• Opinion poll
• Gallup (often used generically, from the famous polling organization)

Related Phrases

• Exit poll: A poll of voters taken immediately after they have exited the polling stations.
• Straw poll: An unofficial, non-scientific poll to gauge general opinion.

Noun

1. an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people