A new video from Pew Research aims to equip the public with tools to distinguish between rigorous polls and those using questionable methods. The release comes amid growing concern over the proliferation of low-quality surveys online.
The video emphasizes that simply calling oneself a pollster does not guarantee adherence to best practices. It highlights how the internet is flooded with polls that lack methodological rigor, potentially misleading audiences.
Pew Research's guidance focuses on simple, observable markers that indicate whether a poll is “legit or sketchy.” These markers include transparency about sample size, data collection methods, and question wording.
The resource is designed for a general audience, aiming to improve media literacy around polling data. As polls increasingly influence public discourse, understanding their trustworthiness becomes crucial for informed decision-making.