Poll assignment instructions:
Find a news story from a credible news organization (CNN, NYTimes, BBC, for example) or polling organization (Gallup, NYTimes/CBS, etc.) that is based on a recent (within the last month) poll or survey.
Next, answer these questions (typed up, printed out, submitted on time):
1. Who conducted and/or sponsored/funded the poll or survey?
2. Is this organization credible? Why or why not?
3. What was the sample size for the poll/survey?
4. What is the margin of error?
5. What is the confidence level?
6. Based on the answers to 2-5, is the poll or survey valid and important? In explaining, make sure your answer references credibility, sample size, margin of error and confidence level.
7. So what? What doe the numbers mean? What is the significance of the story? Tell me in layman's terms how the results or findings of this poll or survey are significant or important. Just a sentence or two.
8. How might this story be localized to matter to readers in Rome, Ga.?
Be sure to include a copy of the news story or article.