Final answer:
A legitimate scientific poll typically involves interviewing between 500 to 1,500 respondents, depending on the goal and desired accuracy. Larger samples yield more accurate results but increase the cost. Indicators of a poll's scientific reliability include margin of error, number of respondents, and the target population sampled.
Step-by-step explanation:
To create a legitimate and scientific poll, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for the number of people you need to ask. However, a typical scientific poll may involve interviewing between 500 to 1,500 respondents. The sample size depends on the desired accuracy, which correlates with the margin of error. A larger sample size reduces the margin of error and increases representativeness, making the poll more likely to reflect the true beliefs of the overall population.
Polling companies like Gallup, Rasmussen Reports, and Pew Research Center employ trained statisticians and methodologists to create random and representative samples. These professionals identify the target population and conduct surveys that may range anywhere from 500 to several thousand respondents, based on what is deemed cost-effective and statistically sound. Academic organizations may use samples of over 2,500 respondents for increased accuracy.
Importantly, to assess the reliability of polls, look for indicators like the margin of error, polling dates, number of respondents, and the population sampled. These aspects demonstrate the scientific rigor applied in the polling process. Even with a well-designed poll, there are potential influences on the data such as timing, societal pressures, and the human element that might skew the results.