Final answer:
The best method to collect opinions on a political issue from a large group is to conduct a survey, as it allows for the direct collection of comparable data from respondents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best way to collect data about a large group of people's opinions on a political issue would be B. Conducting a survey. A survey is a structured method that allows individuals to respond to the same questions, providing a way to collect comparable data across different participants. The information gathered can then be tabulated and used for statistical analysis to understand public opinion on the matter. Compared to other options listed, such as searching a database or creating charts, which are tools for organizing and presenting data, only conducting a survey directly engages with the target population to collect new data.
Surveys have been a cornerstone in sociological research, as seen in large-scale examples like the U.S. Census, which gathers demographic data of residents. They serve as a scientific approach to gauge public opinion and understand behaviors. For political issues, it is essential to design the survey carefully, employing random and representative sampling to ensure that the survey results accurately reflect the opinions of the entire targeted demographic.