Chapter 10 Public Opinion

The specialist who conducts scientific public opinion research is called a(n)

• mass media

• push polls

• direction

• pollster

A public opinion poll that uses loaded language in questions to try to guide the
respondents’ answers is called a(n) ___________________.

• mass media

• push polls

• direction

• pollster

The feature of public opinion that tells officials whether most people are for or against an idea is called

• mass media

• push polls

• direction

• pollster

The __________________ which includes television, newspapers, magazines, radio,
and the Internet can all shape public opinion on an issue.

• mass media

• push polls

• direction

• pollster

Which of these is a role of public opinion in a democracy?

• to determine election results

• to guide the actions of public officials

• to reflect political leaders’ ideas

• to shape the views of media members

Which word BEST describes public opinion at most times in the United States?

• diverse

• unchanging

• united

• immeasurable

An issue gaining in importance as a result of television news coverage is an example of what influence on public opinion?

• gender

• income

• interest groups

• mass media

Why are public officials most likely to be influenced by public opinion high in intensity?

• More people share the opinion.

• The opinion is negative.

• The opinion is strongly held.

• They react most to long-held opinions.

stopping information from being known by blocking it from being published

• watchdog

• libel

• shield law

• leak

• prior restraint

media role that involves exposing illegal practices or government waste

• watchdog

• libel

• shield law

• leak

• prior restraint