Most people queried will answer off the top of their head whatever doesn't appear stupid or whatever looks like it will please the pollster.
^^^^^
Something that has been rattling around in my brain for a while, looking for words, became clear yesterday afternoon when another pollster called me.
We know that pollsters "adjust" their polls to reflect demographics, but how do they choose which respondents to keep in the poll and which to discard.
For example, in my age, sex, party, and income category, do they keep my answers in their database, or hope to find another respondent who gives 'better' answers.
I am quite sure that there are more people in my demographic group (retired) answering the phone who might have 20 minutes to spare than in many of the other profiles.
I have had pollsters call me...and after telling them my age, marital status and sex...a LOT to times, the thank me and hang up...
I suppose I was NOT the demographic they were looking for...LOL
The Stone Age Press still thinks the polls today are as accurate as they were 5-10 yrs ago. With caller ID etc. their samples are a joke as are the results.
With local elections decided by 50-100 votes do they really think they can predict w/any accuacy?
Pray for W and Our Freedom Fighters