Public Surveys-Worthwhile or Worthless?

[Deuce Bigolo]

How can small sample of a population whos details are unknown ever be representative of a Nations state of mind?

Any survey or poll is only as good as its question/questions,how their phrased.One thing that seems to be overlooked when reporting the results in the media time & time again

To illustrate how easily it is to get the answer you require and not really undertake an unbiased poll I give you the example of
National Service/Conscription on Yes Minister

[Sir Humphrey demonstrates how public surveys can reach opposite conclusions]
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Mr. Woolley, are you worried about the rise in crime among teenagers?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do you think there is lack of discipline and vigorous training in our Comprehensive Schools?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do you think young people welcome some structure and leadership in their lives?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do they respond to a challenge?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Might you be in favour of reintroducing National Service?
Bernard Woolley: Er, I might be.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Yes or no?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Of course, after all you've said you can't say no to that. On the other hand, the surveys can reach opposite conclusions.


[survey two]
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Mr. Woolley, are you worried about the danger of war?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Are you unhappy about the growth of armaments?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do you think there's a danger in giving young people guns and teaching them how to kill?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do you think it's wrong to force people to take arms against their will?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Would you oppose the reintroduction of conscription?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
[does a double-take]
Sir Humphrey Appleby: There you are, Bernard. The perfectly balanced sample.

[randyandy]

Deuce Bigolo wrote:

> How can small sample of a population whos details are unknown
> ever be representative of a Nations state of mind?
>
I am at the moment thinking the very same thing although not on a National scale.

Our local council has decided to spend millions on redeveloping a street on the pretense, as far as the local media goes, that it's what the people want.

They have spent a significant amount of money doing a consultation and have again said it's what the people want.

The people equates to just over 300 respondents out of the thousands who will be affected.

The Council (Tory run now after our local election BTW for those who think things will change) are pressing ahead when such a huge amount of money could achieve so much in so many other areas.

Public surveys are I am afraid a complete waste of time and only matter if the result concurs with the opinion of the creator on the subject being discussed.

Prior to the Tory take over we had a massive protest and voice of public opinion about a waste plant being built.

Our Borough Council, thousands of residents, went against the proposal and gave their opinion but when the matter was discussed by the decision makers at County level, who coincidently wanted the plant , the voice of thousands was completely ignored.

[Mike_CFC]

Depends what sort of survey.Some survey's raise opinion,while others makes you say,tell us something we don't know !whistle!

[Guilbert]

> 'Yes Minister', what a sad production that was,

Sad in what way.

Brilliant scripts, with a base of truth in all of them, terrific cast, and very funny.

They repeat them on UK Gold now and again and they STILL have a ring of truth, all these years later.

Maybe because most politicians are STILL self serving cronies with their noses in the trough.

[Trumpton]

Barcode wrote:

> 'Yes Minister', what a sad production that was, saved only by
> great casting, prefer 'Only Fools & Horses' to be honest.

You jest surely? !confused!