Public opinion

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Public opinion refers to a population's collective attitudes and beliefs.

Public opinion and democratic theory[edit]

Measuring public opinion[edit]

Public opinion is typically measured by asking members of the public what they think.

Scientific polls and surveys[edit]

Since the 1930s, the predominant means for discerning what the public thinks has been public opinion polls or surveys administered to a statistically representative sample of the population of interest.

Straw polls and public opinion baths[edit]

Focus groups[edit]

Deliberative polls[edit]