In my opinion, this answer is a toss-up between a and d.
Election results certainly measure what people really want. Unfortunately, less than half the eligible population usually votes. On the other hand, scientific polling may reach many people who don't vote -- so may be considered a better measure of public opinion. One problem with this, though, is that some people lie to pollsters and don't tell them their real opinions.
the most accurate way to measure public opinion is by
a. election results
b. straw votes
c. studying the media
d. scientific polling
d
2 answers
Much depends upon what you mean by "public opinion." Election results tell what people WHO VOTED think. Straw votes tell what people WHO WERE POLLED (and could be anyone--citizens or not) think. The media tell what the PUBLISHERS think is important for the public to know. Scientific polling tells what people WHO MAY OR MAY NOT VOTE think. Which is more important? Which is more accurate? You ask about accuracy, but the actual voters are the ones who decide what is done.
1 answer