"An insightful exploration of political polling and a bold defense of its crucial role in a modern democracy. Public opinion polling is the ultimate democratic process; it gives every person an equal voice in letting elected leaders know what they need and want. But in the eyes of the public, polls today are tarnished. Recent election forecasts have routinely missed the mark and media coverage of polls has focused solely on their ability to predict...

"A unique, revelatory portrait of small-town America: the activities, changes, and events that shape this mostly unseen part of our national landscape, and the issues and concerns that matter to the ordinary Americans who make these towns their home. For the last five years, James and Deborah Fallows have been traveling across America in a single-prop airplane, visiting small cities and meeting civic leaders, factory workers, recent immigrants, and...

An overview of social survey methodology, including how to write items to collect factual and demographic information, selecting a sample of respondents, preparing statistics, and describing averages and variability, margins of error, and relationships.

Looks at the history of Hull House, opened by Jane Addams in 1889 as a place where she, Julia Lathrop, and other activists could provide outreach services to the poor and uneducated people of the surrounding Chicago neighborhood. Examines how the reformers applied statistical analysis to real-world problems, particularly infant and maternal mortality, thereby paving the way for far-reaching social reform. Looks at the relationship between social statistics...

Dillman's text on survey design aids both students and professionals in effectively planning and conducting mail, telephone, and Internet surveys. The fourth edition is updated and revised, and features expanded coverage of mobile phones, tablets, and the use of do-it-yourself surveys. Dillman's Tailored Design Method is also explained. This resource is for researchers seeking to increase response rates and obtain high-quality feedback from survey...