Several researchers have put together an excellent guide to the plethora of public opinion poll Web sites now online.
The guide is one journalists will find particularly useful, as it avoids unscientific online polls and those focused primarily on market research, and instead focuses on scientific, public opinion surveys.
The guide includes scores of links that will help you find everything from information about the basics of polls to major national and regional U.S. media polls to polling data from around the world.
In addition to links to detailed survey data from such polling centers as Quinnipiac University, you’ll find gems like these:
- The Gallup Poll Editors’ Blog: “This blog is written by Editor-in-Chief Frank Newport and the other editors at Gallup in order to comment and provide analysis on recent polls.
- Mystery Pollster: “This blog, written by Mark Blumenthal, a Democratic pollster, is intended to demystify ‘the science and art of political polling.’ Blumenthal does an excellent job of explaining poll results and methodology. He provides links to many other polling resources and to other blogs.”
- UK Polling Report: “This blog is written by Anthony Wells. Using information from British polling sources and data from a marketing research firm, YouGov.com, Wells provides analysis and commentary on polling results and survey methodology relating to British public opinion. Entries are organized chronologically and by topic.”
You can find the guide on the Web site of the Association of College and Research Libraries, a division of the American Library Association. It was put together by Gary Thompson, the director of library and audiovisual services, and Sean Conley, a reference and media services librarian at Siena College.
YOUR TURN: WHAT SITES DO YOU RECOMMEND?
Please send them to poynter (at) jondube.com and I may run your suggestions.
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