Gallup Poll Pro and Contrast Summary, Reaction Paper Example

Gallup polls are surveysresearchers employ to investigate social issues. On many occasions they are based on random sample selections and the views espoused by individuals interviewed through questionnaires, telephone or some electronic device. Just as any other technique utilized in a scientific method of investigation, it has it strengths and weakness.

A great strength of the Gallup poll, especially, when applied to education is that it can reach a wide cross- section of people thereby; results are likely to be more accurate since a representative sample of the population could be derived with everyone having an equal opportunity of being selected. Also, results can be statistically significant due to the extent of data gathered.

In education a major advantage lies in capturing public opinion without personally interfacing with them. Observations of the 43^rd Annual Phi Delta Kapoa Galluppoll regarding public attitudes towards public schools revealed accuracy in retrieving data on this social issue affecting education. The opinions of almost all American were captured in this single poll. (Bushaw & Lopez , 2011).

It is very cost effective as compared to face to face interviews or administered questionnaire whereby people have to be recruited and trained to carry out the process. More importantly, these surveys are interpreted based on standardized tests, which eliminate errors incurred in other forms of research such as case studies.

The foregoing seven advantages mentioned when utilizing Gallup polls do not in anyway allow researchers to overlook the few disadvantages underlying the process. Degrees of inaccuracy could emerge when subjects respond based emotions and do not think through questions before answering them.

Again, when sampling telephone users in a Gallup poll people who do not have telephones would, inevitably, be excluded from the sample as was observed inthe 43^rd Annual Phi Delta Kapoa Gallup poll. Finally, structured surveys, especially with close ended responses could incur compromised validity. (Adèr, Mellenbergh & Hand, 2008).

References

Adèr, H. J., Mellenbergh, G. J., & Hand, D. J. (2008). Advising on research methods: A consultant’s companion. Huizen, The Netherlands: Johannes van Kessel Publishing.

Bushaw, W. Lopez S. (2011)43^rd Annual Phi Delta Kapoa Gallup poll of the Public Attitudes Towards Public Schools.Phi Delta Kapoa.