Dictionary of Polling

Michael L. Young's dictionary defines the most important terms in contemporary public opinion research. About 400 words mark out the field, words needed if one wants to understand the language of polling and to claim literacy in the field. This reference is designed for professionals working in the survey research field, for pollsters and those who produce polls, and for students and scholars concerned with public opinion. Journalists, political professionals, elected officials, and federal, state, and local officials will also find this guide to practice and usage in the field extremely valuable.A general introduction assesses the key literature dealing with polling, and a longer bibliography appears in the back of the book. The key terms are arranged alphabetically and a general index enables readers to trace subjects, themes, and ideas discussed under the various entries.

"Young has compiled the first dictionary of polling terms and phrases in the 57-year history of scientific polling literature. The dictionary is designed to serve both pollsters and poll users and includes a six-page introduction to the field. A minimum of five source citations was considered necessary to include a term; definitions run from half a page to over a page; cross-references are supplied. The arrangement is alphabetical, with an index that includes about 480 terms. Definitions usually have two or more references to sources where the quotation or information was found. The sources are listed in a 215-entry bibliography citing books, journals, and newspapers. Approximately 50;pc of the bibliography's entries are from the 1980s, about 30;pc from the 1970s, some 14;pc from the 1960s, with the remainder consisting of a few entries from the 1990s or the period between the 1920s and the 1950s. A few British entries are incorporated, but the preponderence of the references are American. This volume is a long overdue contribution to the field, and may well become the standard. Highly recommended to academic libraries at all levels."-Choice, ?Straight forward. Useful for anyone interested in public opinion polling.?-Government & Politics Alert, ?This is an excellent source for definition of polling terms and jargon, something not usually found in other dictionaries. . . . Highly recommended for research and academic libraries, and other libraries with collection responsibilities in political science.?-ARBA, ?Useful for anyone interested in public opinion polling.?-Government & Politics Alert, ?Young has compiled the first dictionary of polling terms and phrases in the 57-year history of scientific polling literature. The dictionary is designed to serve both pollsters and poll users and includes a six-page introduction to the field. A minimum of five source citations was considered necessary to include a term; definitions run from half a page to over a page; cross-references are supplied. The arrangement is alphabetical, with an index that includes about 480 terms. Definitions usually have two or more references to sources where the quotation or information was found. The sources are listed in a 215-entry bibliography citing books, journals, and newspapers. Approximately 50; pc of the bibliography's entries are from the 1980s, about 30; pc from the 1970s, some 14; pc from the 1960s, with the remainder consisting of a few entries from the 1990s or the period between the 1920s and the 1950s. A few British entries are incorporated, but the preponderence of the references are American. This volume is a long overdue contribution to the field, and may well become the standard. Highly recommended to academic libraries at all levels.?-Choice

MICHAEL L. YOUNG is Professor of Politics and Public Affairs at Pennsylvania State University in Harrisburg. He is the author of The American Dictionary of Campaigns and Elections (1987) and The Classics of Polling (1989) and active as a pollster, media analyst on radio and TV, and consultant to the private and public sectors. Currently he is also Associate Director of the Institute of State and Regional Affairs on the Penn State/Harrisburg campus.