Final answer:
Public opinion includes majority opinion, elite opinion, and issue publics, reflecting the diverse ways in which society's views are formed and expressed. All these types of opinions play significant roles in shaping public policy and discourse, and hence, the answer is 'All of the above'.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing the concept of public opinion, it is important to understand that it encompasses various types of views expressed by the public. Public opinion can be broadly categorized into three types:
- Majority opinion - This refers to the viewpoint held by the greater part of the population. It is often determined through mechanisms such as polls and surveys, reflecting what most people in a society believe or think about a particular issue or topic.
- Elite opinion - Elite opinion is formed by a smaller group of individuals who have a significant amount of influence or power within society, such as politicians, business leaders, or media personalities. Their perspectives can have a substantial impact on public policy and discourse.
- Issue publics - The term 'issue publics' is used to describe groups of people who are particularly concerned with, or knowledgeable about, a specific issue. Members of an issue public are more likely to be engaged and have strong opinions about the matter at hand.
Each type of opinion plays a different role in shaping policy and public discourse. With this in mind, the correct answer to the question 'Which of these is a type of public opinion?' is D. All of the above.