PHEW, that was close. According to one opinion poll the Alba Party’s been written off already. With polls held in such high esteem one wonders why there was ever any need for elections – or referendums for that matter. Perhaps a poll of polls might be more accurate than the +/- 3% error of just one, or maybe it would magnify the error. Sadly the pollsters and their followers have a higher degree of confidence than they do of accuracy.
READ MORE: Poll predicts Tories will be biggest losers as Holyrood gets 29-seat Yes majority
The interesting thing is, can polls actually change people’s opinions? Research has shown that there is a willingness to follow the crowd by individuals who yearn to feel included. I think polling results should be banned four weeks before an election and, if they are brave enough, published afterwards. But then what would be the point of that? That’s exactly my point. Polls are intended to manipulate, not inform or educate. It is a media tool to justify a particular political stance. Exit polls are an exception since they are not published until the polling booths close under threat of imprisonment.
Mike Herd
Highland
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