Description
Book SynopsisPresents an argument that the process of collecting information on public preferences through surveys may bias our picture of several preferences. This book focuses on the many respondents who say they "don't know" when asked for their views on the political issues of the day.
Trade Review"The book is well written, the analysis thoroughly done, and the argument clearly presented."--Thomas M. Carsey, Perspectives on Political Science "Berinsky argues that polls sometimes fail to represent public opinion when the real preferences of those respondents who select the 'don't know' category for a question are excluded from the results. This important book explores several issues regarding this problem in survey research... A useful supplement in advanced undergraduate and graduate courses on research methods."--Choice
Table of ContentsFIGURES ix TABLES xi ACKNOWLEDGMENTS xiii INTRODUCTION Representation, Public Opinion, and the Voice of the People 1 ONE Opinion Polling and the Silencing of Political Voice 14 TWO The Search for the Voice of the People: Considering the Unspoken 36 THREE The Dynamics of Racial Policy Opinion, 1972-1994 51 FOUR Social Welfare Policy and Public Opinion, 1972-1996 84 FIVE The Changing Context of Public Opinion Concerning the Vietnam War, 1964-1972 105 CONCLUSION Public Opinion and Political Voice 127 APPENDIX TO CHAPTER 3 145 APPENDIX TO CHAPTER 4 169 APPENDIX TO CHAPTER 5 176 REFERNECES 185 INDEX 195
