When reviewing political polls, it's crucial to ask these key questions:

• Who conducted the poll? - Check if the polling organization is reputable and has a history of accurate results.
• What is the sample size? - Larger sample sizes generally provide more reliable results, but context matters; even smaller samples can be accurate if well-chosen.
• What was the methodology? - Understand how the poll was conducted, including sampling methods and whether it was online, telephone, or in-person.
• What are the margins of error? - The margin of error indicates the range within which the true values likely fall. Smaller margins are better but not foolproof.
• When was the poll conducted? - Polls can become outdated quickly, so consider the timing in relation to current events.
• What questions were asked? - Examine the wording and order of questions, as these can influence responses.
• Who was surveyed? - Check the demographics of the respondents to ensure they are representative of the population being studied.

By considering these factors, you can better interpret the reliability and relevance of a poll’s results.

The Pew Research Center - a non-partisan think tank based in Washington, D.C. - has some helpful materials published online about demystifying polling.

• Kennedy, Courtney et al (2023) How public polling has changed in the 21st century (Report) Pew Research Center
• Kennedy, Courtney (2020) “Key things to know about election polling in the United States,” Pew Research Center