SPEAKER TO OFFER ANALYSIS OF PRESIDENTIAL POLLS

As the presidential election draws near, the results of election polls are discussed daily in the news media, but the average voter knows little about how such polls are conducted. On Tuesday, Oct. 26, an expert on public-opinion polling and survey research will offer a peek behind the scenes of this important adjunct to the democratic process. Temple University Professor of Political Science Michael G. Hagen, who directs the Temple/Inquirer Poll, will analyze the latest presidential poll of Pennsylvania voters and discuss what conclusions can be drawn from it. His talk, sponsored by the Department of Political Science and the Civic Engagement Office, will take place in Thomas 224 from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.

"Professor Hagen's access to the most current survey and poll data will allow him to discuss the latest information as we approach election day," says Associate Professor Marissa Golden, chair of the Department of Political Science at Bryn Mawr. "His talk will be of interest to those who would like to learn of the latest developments in the campaign."

As the director of the Temple/Inquirer Poll, Hagen works with The Philadelphia Inquirer to gain accurate and meaningful polling data, which helps to predict which way Pennsylvania will swing in November and the issues on which voters will base their presidential choices. Hagen is also an expert in the art and science of polling, and in his talk will discuss the difficulties that can lead to polling errors.

Hagen, the director of Temple's Institute for Public Affairs, will appear on PBS' The News Hour's election-night coverage as the show's expert on Pennsylvania. Prior to his appointment at Temple, Hagen directed the Center for Public Interest Polling at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. Recently he collaborated with Richard Johnston and Kathleen Hall Jamieson on a book titled The 2000 Presidential Election and the Foundations of Party Politics.

For further information, please e-mail Golden or call Lorraine Kirschner at x5332.

<<Back to Bryn Mawr Now 10/21/2004

>>Next Story