Political Science Professor how-to

How to Teach Students to Read a Poll

Poll literacy matters.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Poll literacy matters. In short: explain; explain; check, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Explain sampling.

  2. Explain margin of error.

  3. Check question wording.

  4. Compare polls.

  5. Discuss trends.

  6. Spot misleading claims.

Safety reminders for political science professors

  • Maintain respectful classrooms
  • Protect student privacy
  • Follow research ethics
  • Follow campus safety

Tenure · Adjunct · Syllabus · Peer review · Office hours · Sabbatical: see the full political science professor glossary.

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