Methods 101: How is polling done around the world?

Summary

This script explores the complexities of conducting international polls, emphasizing the need to adapt to each country's unique technological, societal, and cultural dynamics. It highlights challenges such as government restrictions, varying communication infrastructures, and the importance of language translation. The video underscores the significance of local expertise and the use of technology like GPS-enabled devices to ensure rigorous and representative sampling. It also stresses the importance of question translation consistency to maintain survey integrity across different languages and cultures.

Takeaways

• 🌍 International polling is complex due to varying conditions and requirements across different countries.
• 🏛️ Government regulations can limit the scope of polling questions or even discourage public opinion research in some nations.
• 🚫 Safety concerns such as armed conflicts or political unrest may prohibit polling in certain regions.
• 🔍 The availability of research infrastructure and skilled local partners is crucial for conducting high-quality surveys.
• 📊 Polling methods must be tailored to the predominant communication channels in each country, such as online, telephone, or face-to-face interviews.
• 🏡 In-person polling presents logistical challenges, including deciding where to send interviewers and dealing with the lack of addresses in some countries.
• 📱 Technological advancements like GPS and satellite imagery aid in conducting surveys in areas without reliable mapping.
• 🗣️ Language is a key consideration; questionnaires often need to be translated into multiple languages to ensure comprehension and comparability.
• 🔗 Translations must maintain the consistency of meaning to avoid misinterpretation across different linguistic groups.
• 🔍 Local experts are invaluable for reviewing survey questions for cultural and political sensitivities.
• 🔧 Pre-testing surveys in all languages can help identify and rectify confusing or misleading translations.

Q & A

What are the challenges faced when conducting international polls?

International polling faces challenges such as government restrictions, legal limitations, political unrest, lack of local expertise, and varying levels of technology and infrastructure across countries.

Why might governments limit or restrict the content of questionnaires in polls?

Governments may insist on approving questionnaires to control the information gathered, potentially limiting the scope of questions that can be asked to avoid sensitive topics.

How does the presence of armed conflicts or political unrest affect polling?

In regions with armed conflicts or political unrest, it can be dangerous to conduct surveys, thus limiting the feasibility of gathering public opinion data.

What factors determine the method of administering interviews in international polls?

The method of administering interviews depends on factors like internet access, telephone usage, and the feasibility of in-person interviewing, which varies by country.

How do pollsters ensure a diverse population is reached during face-to-face interviews?

Pollsters carefully plan where to send interviewers to reach a diverse population, considering the time and financial costs of traveling across a country.

What role do GPS-enabled devices play in international polling?

GPS-enabled devices like tablets and smartphones, along with satellite imagery, assist interviewers in conducting random sampling in areas lacking addresses or up-to-date maps.

Why is it important to translate questionnaires into multiple languages for international polls?

Translation ensures that the questionnaire is understandable to respondents in their native language, which is crucial for accurate data collection.

What challenges arise when translating questionnaires for international polls?

Translation challenges include maintaining consistency of meaning across languages, avoiding idioms, and ensuring that local cultural and political sensitivities are considered.

How does the Pew Research Center handle language diversity in its global surveys?

The Pew Research Center translates its surveys into multiple languages, such as over 40 languages for its 2018 Global Attitudes Survey, including 11 languages for India alone.

What strategies can help ensure the quality of translations in international polling?

Strategies include having local experts review questions, avoiding idioms, ensuring consistent meaning across translations, and testing the survey in all languages if resources allow.

Why is it critical to work with local professionals when conducting international polls?

Local professionals have the necessary training and cultural understanding, which is critical for addressing the unique technological, societal, and cultural dynamics of each country.