Do opinion polls influence decisions?
Sources:
Opinion polls can indeed influence decisions, both at the individual level and within government and political contexts. Here are some insights from experts on this topic:
-
Government and Political Decision-Making: Jordan Peterson highlighted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, decision-making at both provincial and federal levels in Canada was often guided by continually conducted opinion polls rather than solely on scientific data. He pointed out that relying on such polls is problematic due to their reliability issues and the way questions are formulated, which can significantly impact the responses received. This reliance on public opinion can lead to decisions that lack genuine principle and are instead shaped by short-term public whim 1.
-
Shaping Public Perception: Deborah Stone compared public opinion polls to a Fitbit, which can change behavior merely by the act of measurement. The questions posed in these polls can shape how individuals perceive certain issues. For example, polls asking about immigrants or racial groups can implicitly reinforce stereotypes, thus influencing public opinion and responses 2 3.
-
Voter Behavior: Michael Murphy noted that opinion polls during long election cycles can result in voters using poll responses to express temporary preferences or dissatisfaction rather than their final decision. Voters may shift their stated preferences as a way to "slap the system around," knowing they can change their minds later. Thus, while polls reveal current sentiments, they may not accurately predict final voting behavior 4.
Overall, these experts highlight that opinion polls can significantly influence both individual perceptions and political decisions, though their reliability and the effects of how questions are formulated are areas of concern.
RELATED QUESTIONS-
