How the wording of a poll affects the outcome

Even with the the limited use in the Cove it is very obvious how the wording of a poll affect the outcome. Though not evident here I am sure that the many polls we hear about daily are designed to elicit a particular response.

It is up to the person using data from the tost to ascertain the true meaning of a poll and it's level of bias.

Like the question "When was the last time you beat your dog"?

I know this is old stuff but I feel talkative today.

[SteelMaiden]

Al, that is probably one of those little gems that needs to be trotted out every few years for the newbies of the world. Polls and book keeping are pretty similar. You can pretty much make them show anything you'd like, it's just a matter of how far do you want to walk into the swamp of dishonesty. (witness the ethics thread(s) and some of the others)

Take care!

[Marc]

You can see this reflected in Customer survey threads.

[Bubba]

Polls and book keeping are pretty similar. You can pretty much make them show anything you'd like

That reminds me of something I heard long ago about the difference between a mathematician, an engineer, and an accountant. Each is asked, "What is two plus two?"

The mathematician answers, "Four."

The engineer answers, "More than three, but less than five."

The accountant answers, "What would you like it to be?"

[Atul Khandekar]

Polls and book keeping are pretty similar. You can pretty much make them show anything you'd like,it's just a matter of how far do you want to walk into the swamp of dishonesty.

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." -Benjamin Disraeli

As Quality professionals, using statistical methods, don't we need to work hard to change that reputation?

[M Greenaway]

Another great quote:-

"99% of statistics are made up"

Vic Reeves