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Pros and cons of public opinion polls - Jason Robert Jaffe

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How do public opinion polls work? And, more importantly, are they accurate? Jason Robert Jaffe reveals the complexities and biases of polls and provides tips on how to think about polls as we make everyday decisions.

An interviewer, the person asking the questions, might influence the respondents’ answers without even meaning to! For instance, the gender of the interviewer could play a role in how people may choose to answer. What are some other characteristics of an interviewer that might affect a poll’s answers?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Director Darcy Vorhees
  • Educator Jason Robert Jaffe
  • Animator Marissa Hutchins, Sarah Johnson
  • Artist Tom Beuerlein
  • Narrator Jason Robert Jaffe

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