Description
Book SynopsisOpinion polls dominate media coverage of politics, especially elections. But how do the polls work? How do you tell the good from the bad? And in light of recent polling disasters, can we trust them at all? Polling UnPacked gives you the full story, from the first rudimentary polls in the nineteenth century, through attempts by politicians to ban polling in the twentieth century, to the very latest techniques and controversies from the last few years. In equal parts enlightening and hilarious, the book needs no prior knowledge of polling or statistics to understand. But even hardened pollsters will find much to enjoy, from how polling has been used to help plan military invasions to why an exhausted interviewer was accidentally instrumental in inventing exit polls. Written by a former political pollster and the creator of Britain's foremost polling-intention database, Polling UnPacked shows you which opinion polls to trust, which to ignore and which, frankly, to laugh at. It will change the way you see political coverage forever.
Trade Review‘when it comes to polling, size doesn't matter – it's how you use it . . . We learn about this golden rule and many more in Polling Unpacked, a comprehensive yet surprisingly fun overview of modern opinion polling . . . His book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand modern politics . . . Pack’s book is a timely manual for those wanting to spot good polls from bad ones.’ — Tom Calver, Sunday Times; ‘Mark’s book is bloody good. Wonderful blend of evidence and anecdote. And a great relief to me as I had been toying with writing something similar (though doubtless less good) – no need now.’ — David Lipsey, Chair, Lords Select Committee on Opinion Polls 2018; ‘Opinion polls dominate media coverage of politics, especially elections, but how do they work? How can you tell the good from the bad? And in light of recent polling disasters, can we even trust them? Polling UnPacked gives the full story, from the first rudimentary polls in the nineteenth century, through to attempts but politicians to ban polling in the 20th century, up to the very latest techniques and controversies. Written by the Lib Dem President Mark Pack who has extensive experience in conducting, commissioning and analysing political opinion polls, PollingUnPacked will reveal which opinion polls to trust, which to ignore and which to, frankly, laugh at.’ — Reaction; ‘I am so glad I read this valuable book. It wears its learning so lightly, but I found out so much I didn’t know and needed to know.’ — Daniel Finkelstein; ‘A must-have book for all who follow the polls that is both informative and a really good read. Mark Pack has done a great job.’ — Mike Smithson, PoliticalBetting.com
