Wrong numbers
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For all of the coverage and discussion of the findings of polls related to the war, including Tim Rutten’s column (“Hearts, Minds and Polls,” March 29), I’ve yet to see much analysis of polling methodology.
Although they have the veneer of scientific accuracy, typical polling almost cannot help but produce skewed results. Most polls are conducted by telephone. Screening mechanisms such as caller ID, answering machines and voicemail make it unlikely such calls get answered by a representative sample.
Until pollsters more comprehensively disclose or alter their methods, we should give short shrift to opinion polls.
John Cook
Corona del Mar
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