Thursday, October 15, 2009

Survey says

Today's editorial of the Daily Tribune (Tribune) is a very interesting read. It's so interesting that it told of the real intentions behind the release of the SWS surveys every quarter.




The most recent survey result showed LP's bet Noynoy Aquino getting 60% votes and Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party got 37%, followed by former President Joseph Estrada with 18% and Sen. Chiz Escudero with 15 %.

But the manner by which these results were obtained was quite unusual. Instead of asking the respondent who is their top pick (note that it's in the singular), the survey asked the respondents who are their top picks (that's in the plural) for the presidency, choosing three candidates each. Thus, the 60% vote that Noynoy got does not necessarily mean that he was indeed the top pick. With two other choices in the selection, then it would naturally mean he shared the rank with some other choices.

Clearly, this is indeed one of the many ways that surveys tend to condition the mind of the people. In 2007 SWS and Pulse Asia surveys began this conditioning of the minds of the electorate. And now, SWS is obviously doing it again.

This recent survey is like preparing an instant 3-in-1 coffee mix in order to put SWS clients Aquino and Villar in good positions. Well Mr. Mangahas is apparently taking good care of his clients.

We can't be fooled by these surveys which treat us like idiots who know nothing about simple mathematics and logic.

1 comment:

  1. I never believe in the survey results released by these firms. They are more into business, catering the pulicity needs of their clients, rather than actually taking the public pulse.

    Surveys do not serve their purpose.

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