Episode 5 - Internal Polls v. Public Polls

An interview with Natalie Lupiani and Shannon Janean Currie of Benenson Strategy Group on the lastest episode of Cross Tabs

As the political landscape grows increasingly complex, the art and science of polling have never been more crucial—or more controversial. While public trust in polls wavers, strategic research consultants work behind the scenes to craft research to measure the pulse of the electorate. In this discussion, industry insiders Shannon Janean Currie and Natalie Lupiani at Benenson Strategy Group reveal the differences between public and private polling methodologies and share their expert insights on navigating the challenges of modern political research.

Listen to the latest episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Here are the highlights from our conversation:

The Stark Divide Between Public and Private Polling Methodologies

While public polls often prioritize speed and cost-effectiveness, private polls for political clients employ more rigorous and comprehensive methodologies. These differences in approach can lead to significant disparities in the accuracy and reliability of polling results. Understanding the distinctions between these two types of polls is essential for anyone seeking to make sense of the political landscape.

Crafting Effective Polls: The Importance of Question Wording and Order

How questions are phrased and ordered in a poll can significantly impact the responses they elicit. Experienced pollsters understand the nuances of crafting precise, unbiased questions to capture respondents' genuine opinions. By carefully considering factors such as question-wording, order, and context, strategic research consultants aim to minimize bias and maximize the accuracy of their findings.

Identifying and Understanding Key Voter Segments, Including Undecided Voters

One of the most crucial aspects of political polling is identifying and understanding key voter segments, particularly undecided voters. Shannon and Natalie discuss the challenges of accurately capturing undecided voters' opinions. By employing various qualitative and quantitative research methods, pollsters can gain valuable insights into the factors influencing voter decision-making.

The Critical Role of Transparency in Building Trust in Polling Results

In an era of widespread skepticism about polling, transparency is more important than ever. Shannon and Natalie emphasize the need for pollsters to be forthcoming about their methodologies, sample sizes, and margins of error. By providing clear and accessible information about their processes, pollsters can help build trust in their results and foster a more informed public discourse around political issues.

Navigating the Challenges of an Increasingly Complex Electoral Landscape

As the political landscape becomes more fragmented and polarized, pollsters face new challenges in accurately capturing public opinion. Shannon and Natalie discuss the difficulties of polling in an age of social media, partisan echo chambers, and declining response rates. They also highlight the importance of adaptability and innovation in these evolving challenges.

Expert Advice for Consumers: How to Make Sense of Political Polling Data

Navigating political polling data can be overwhelming for the average consumer. Shannon and Natalie offer practical advice on approaching polls critically, emphasizing the importance of considering factors such as sample size, the margin of error, and question-wording. By arming themselves with these tools, consumers can become more discerning consumers of political polling data and make more informed decisions at the ballot box.

Mentioned resources:

Echelon Insights “Do Voters Have The Wrong Kennedy In Mind?”: Do Voters Have The Wrong Kennedy In Mind?

• This poll tested whether respondents correctly identified RFK Jr. or mistakenly thought he was his father, providing an example of an interesting but strategically limited public poll.

Harvard Youth Poll: 46th Edition - Fall 2023

• The Harvard Youth Poll underscores the importance of critically evaluating the methodology and results of any given poll, as the quality and reliability of surveys can vary significantly, even when conducted by well-known institutions.

Dan Balz “Collision 2012: The Future of Election Politics in a Divided America”: Collision 2012: The Future of Election Politics in a Divided America

• Here's where I first learned that political campaigns were using a tool market researchers have been using for over a decade – "digital diaries" (or ethnojournals), a qualitative research alternative to traditional "Frank Luntz-style” focus groups. We talked about how qualitative techniques are evolving across market research, including in political research.

Benenson Strategy Group: Benenson Strategy Group | Strategic Consultants | United States