metrics

[nickdw]

There must be standardized, peer reviewed metrics in polls and exit polls to evolve polling to the next level. Metrics are complete sentences, clarifying the question, rephrasing the question, nouns and adjectives used, and constructs like " on a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate ... ". Metrics are operations but need training and support pertinent to said metrics to make the metrics work.

Peer reviewed means a collaborative effort decides. I think a majority must decide what standards are established, not a consensus deciding but this will be debated. ( NOT what standards are *applied* that's for a separate collaborative effort to decide. )

Metrics are measurable items without a specific format first constructed then set forth by an independent body. The neutral formats can be reused by a biased body who drafts an editable, coded format, like Rasmussen. The process from neutral format to coded format is a lifecycle which should be observed by the public.

The group who approves the standards cannot in any way be affiliated with the non-profit or commercial groups who incorporate them directly into the survey.

I think that's the most transparent way to survey. The non neo-liberals and neo-conservatives will go with this or a similar version of it. Anything else is too proprietary and that's exactly what crap artists like Karl Rove prey on.

What do you think? I love discussing survey standards. Write me: [e-mail]

Note: to understand what I'm talking about with editables a.k.a. versioning, look at the changes I went through in creating this post: http://www.geocities.com/ndwinl/survey / ( wu3.txt is this post )

Use the unix diff program to compare changes or a Windows program like http://www.prestosoft.com/download/ed33.zip