Polls Are Not Scientific

"Earlier, we published an article explaining why there is no such thing as a scientific poll. In a nutshell, because polling relies on good but sometimes inaccurate assumptions, it is far more art than science. As we noted, "Tweaking [voter] turnout models is more akin to refining a cake recipe than doing a science experiment." Still, since American pollsters are good at their jobs, polls tend to be correct more often than not."

Nate Silver's 'Chance of Winning' Election Forecasts Are Complete Nonsense

A Look At Political Polling

"Savvy politicos know that not just any poll will do. Online polls, in which anybody can vote, are not legitimate. The reason is because they do not accurately reflect the voting public. Imagine, for instance, a poll on Starbucks' website asking readers if they like to drink coffee every day. In this hypothetical poll, it would not be a surprise if nearly 100% of respondents said "yes," even though only 64% of Americans drink coffee every day. The reason is obvious: People who are using Starbucks' website are probably coffee drinkers."

Polls Are Not Rigged, But They Also Aren't 'Scientific'

Watch For Unscientific Methods In Polling

"One of the keys to successful social science is to ask unbiased survey questions*. The lack of a control group is just sloppiness. Gallup should know better."

Gallup Poll: Great Example of How to Bias a Social Science Study

Push Polling

"This is a technique called “push polling,” and it’s actually far more of an advertising campaign than an attempt to discern the will of the voters. Nobody would take the results of such a poll seriously."

Gallup Poll: Great Example of How to Bias a Social Science Study

Polling On Use Of Alternatives To Medicine

"This Harris poll on “alternative medicine” is so terrible it is practically a pro-alternative medicine push poll. They do not define their key terms, use loaded language and false dichotomies, and use vague categories."

The biggest weakness of the poll is that it makes no attempt to define “alternative.” Does this include exercise, taking vitamins, prayer, getting a massage, or relaxation?