Guest Post by Steve DeMaura
Over the weekend liberal blogger Dean Barker made his best attempt to critique the latest Populus Research/Now Hampshire survey. Unfortunately for Dean his stunning lack of knowledge of survey research and his ever moving compass of what he deems acceptable or not disqualifies his comments.
Populus Research is a survey research firm which has among its clients corporations, conservative organizations and Republican candidates and causes. We strive to provide to our clients fast, reliable and accurate polling data. Populus adheres to traditional polling techniques while improving the timeliness and reliability of our data by using state of the art IVR technology.
In the latest NowHampshire/Populus Research survey we found amongst other things that the income tax remains unpopular in New Hampshire; a finding accepted and reported by both John DiStaso of The Union Leader and Shira Schoenberg of the Concord Monitor.
The survey of 646 likely general election voters had a margin of error of 3.85% and has a confidence level of 95%- all standard in the field of survey research. Somehow though, with no training or experience in the field of survey research Dean is able to determine that “the sample is too small.” This statement alone is an indicator of his lack of knowledge of how this work is conducted.
Dean also notes as a personal complaint of his that he does not have access to the geographic or demographic data attached to the survey. Dean, if you would like the full cross tabs, including geographic and demographic data I would be more than happy to provide them to you if you commission a survey like everyone else.
While Dean’s complaints can easily be dispensed of his critique of IVR polling is most illuminating as to his true motives. While Dean pans our surveys and states their results unacceptable because of the technology we choose, he embraces and promotes it when he likes the findings they have.
My question for Dean is; do you not like the research or is it the findings you do not like? You raised no concerns over IVR technology and in fact promoted polls which used it on multiple occasions. When the Democratic firm Public Policy Polling released a survey which had positive results for Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter earlier this year you openly promoted its findings (see here). When Blue Hampshire contributing editor “elwood” wrote of a Rasmussen survey last October (see here) which showed Jeanne Shaheen and Barack Obama holding leads you did not write over your concern for IVR polls, in fact you wrote, “so many good polls today.”
Populus Research will continue to provide fast, accurate and reliable survey research data to clients in New Hampshire and across the country.