chapter 6

2. a small group selected by researchers to represent the most important characteristics of an entire population
5. random sample , a method used by pollsters to select a representative sample in which every individual in the population has an equal probability of being selected as a respondent
6. poll, a polling technique in which the questions are designed to shape the respondent’s opinion
8. desirability effect, the effect that results when respondents in a survey report what they expect the interviewer wishes to hear rather than what they believe
9. someone who emphasizes freedom and believes in voluntary association with small government
13. ideology, a cohesive set of beliefs that forms a general philosophy about the role of government
14. effect, a shift in electoral support to the candidate whom public-opinion polls report as the front-runner
16. gap, a distinctive pattern of voting behavior reflecting the differences in views between women and men
18. ,someone who generally believes in social ownership, strong government, free markets, and a reduction in economic inequality

1. error , polling error that arises based on the small size of the sample
3. of ideas, the public forum in which beliefs and ideas are exchanged and compete
4. socialization, the induction of individuals into the political culture; learning the underlying beliefs and values on which the political system is based
6. polls, scientific instruments for measuring public opinion
7. (or opinion), a specific preference on a particular issue
10. of socialization, social institutions, including families and schools, that help to shape individuals’ basic political beliefs and values
11. freedom from governmental control
12. digit dialing, a polling method in which respondents are selected at random from a list of 10-digit telephone numbers, with every effort made to avoid bias in the construction of the sample
13. opinion citizens, attitudes about political issues, leaders, institutions, and events
15. (or beliefs), basic principles that shape a person’s opinions about political issues and events
17. of opportunity, a widely shared American ideal that all people should have the freedom to use whatever talents and wealth they have to reach their fullest potential