This is a mildly interesting poll of Muslims. I, however, having talked to the officials in US polling forms who conduct those polls, remain many skeptical about such polls for many reasons. 1) The pollsters often go in delegations, thereby arousing suspicions. 2) The problems of translation of terms are very severe: I mean, the word favorable and unfavorable is really untranslatable. 3) People are often afraid to give answers that don't conform with the views of governments. 4) The local hires and staff of US firms are often supporters of pro-US governments, and that--I know--skew the results. I heard of such shenanigans in polling in Lebanon.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Polling Muslims (in theory)
This is a mildly interesting poll of Muslims. I, however, having talked to the officials in US polling forms who conduct those polls, remain many skeptical about such polls for many reasons. 1) The pollsters often go in delegations, thereby arousing suspicions. 2) The problems of translation of terms are very severe: I mean, the word favorable and unfavorable is really untranslatable. 3) People are often afraid to give answers that don't conform with the views of governments. 4) The local hires and staff of US firms are often supporters of pro-US governments, and that--I know--skew the results. I heard of such shenanigans in polling in Lebanon.
