How a poll can mean something or nothing

I watched Yes Prime Minister last night and there was a conversation between Sir Humphrey and Bernard which had me rocking.


The party have had an opinion poll done.  It seems all the voters are in favour of bringing back National Service
Well I’ve had another opinion poll done showing that the voters are against bringing back National Service
Well they can’t be for it and against it.
Oh of course they can Bernard.  Have you ever been surveyed?
Yes.  Well, not me actually, my house.  Oh, I see what you mean!
Bernard, you know what happens; nice young lady comes up to you – obviously, you want to create a good impression; you don’t want to look a fool, do you?
No
No.  So she starts asking you some questions.  “Mr Wolley, are you worried about the number of young people without jobs?”
Yes
“Are you worried about the rise in crime among teenagers?”
Yes
“Do you think there’s a lack of discipline in our comprehensive schools?”
Yes
“Do you think young people welcome some authority and leadership in their lives?”
Yes
“Do you think they respond to a challenge?”
Yes
“Would you be in favour or reintroducing National Service?”
Y...  Oh, well I suppose I might be
Yes or no?
Yes
Of course you would, Bernard.  After all you’ve told, you can’t say no to that.  So, they don’t mention the first five questions and they publish the last one. 
Is that really what they do?
Well, not the reputable ones, no, but there aren’t many of those.  No.  Alternatively, the young lady can get the opposite result.
How?
“Mr Woolley, are you worried about the danger of war?”
Yes
“Are you worried about the growth of armaments?”
Yes
“Do you think there’s a danger in giving young people guns and teaching them how to kill?”
Yes
“Do you think it’s wrong to force people to take up arms against their will?”
Yes
“Would you oppose the reintroduction of National Service?”
Yes
There you are you see, Barnard – the perfect balanced sample.


Pure Genius


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