Can we trust polls?: Experts discuss poll credibility during election year

Columbia University professors discuss the role that election polls play in American politics

Published February 16, 2016 7:06PM (EST)

People cast their votes in the presidential primary at Windham High School in Windham, N.H., Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, during the New Hampshire primary. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) (AP)
People cast their votes in the presidential primary at Windham High School in Windham, N.H., Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, during the New Hampshire primary. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) (AP)

It seems that the easiest way to predict election results is to follow polls. But can we actually trust them? That remains one of the biggest questions when it comes to understanding how polls work.

We met with Andrew Gelman, Professor of Statistics and Political Science and Robert Shapiro, Professor of Government of Columbia University who addressed how polls help determine which candidates should be considered and taken seriously, and how polling during primaries and caucuses can actually be quite flawed.

Take a look.


By Asha Parker

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