Political Polling: Making Predictions and Influencing Outcomes

The public has long been interested in polling as way to understand and also to predict political outcomes — whether that be for elections, policy proposals or to gauge public sentiment on controversial issues from immigration to abortion and gun control. What is less known is that polls, rather than just reflecting our reality, can sometimes influence outcomes, perhaps to the detriment of our democratic principles. This talk will cover the history and development of public polling, the impacts of polling on elections, and give pointers for what to look for when reading about polling data.

Kiku Huckle, PhD, is an associate professor of Political Science at California Lutheran University. Her research addresses how culture, values and identity intersect and ultimately affect political beliefs and patterns of engagement, with an emphasis on race, racial resentment and religious affiliation. Her book project, “Reluctant Evolution: Latino Communities and the American Catholic Church” examines the institutional barriers to the full inclusion of Latinos within the American Catholic Church. Other projects examine the relationship between race, racial resentment and policy issues such as gun control and immigration, as well as vote choice.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people 50 years of age and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.

Register

Register by 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25