How to Be Political Opinion Researcher - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 25, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The rise in political opinion research has had a significant effect on the political landscape. As the number of polls and surveys conducted by political opinion researchers has grown, the ability of political candidates to gauge the opinion of their constituents has become increasingly important. This has given candidates access to more detailed information about their constituents and enabled them to better target their campaigns, resulting in more effective campaign strategies and higher voter turnout. Additionally, by providing data that can be used to inform policy decisions, political opinion research has become an integral part of the political process, helping to shape the public discourse and policy decisions made by elected officials.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The minimum educational requirement for a political opinion researcher is a bachelor's degree in political science, economics, research methods, or a related field. A degree in a related field such as sociology, psychology, public policy, or communications may also be acceptable.
Research Political Opinion. Researching political opinion requires strong analytical and quantitative skills. During your college studies, take courses in political science, public opinion research, and survey methodologies to gain the necessary skills.
Gain Experience. Consider interning with a political organization or research firm to gain experience in the field. Many employers prefer to hire those with prior research experience.
Pursue Professional Certification. Professional certification is not required, but it may increase your chances of obtaining a position as a political opinion researcher. Consider taking the Certified Survey Methodologist (CSM) exam offered by the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR).
Network. Networking is an important part of finding employment as a political opinion researcher. Attend conferences and industry events to meet potential employers and stay informed about job opportunities.

Staying up-to-date and capable as a political opinion researcher requires a commitment to deliberate practice and ongoing learning. A researcher should actively seek out new information on political topics, including attending lectures, reading relevant books and articles, and engaging in conversations with people of different political affiliations. a researcher should stay abreast of current events, both nationally and globally, in order to understand the implications of their research.

Finally, a researcher should invest in their technical skills, such as data analysis and survey design, in order to remain competitive and capable of producing high-quality work. By making these investments, a political opinion researcher can ensure they are well-equipped to carry out their research effectively and accurately.

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Job Description

Analyze public opinion data and trends to develop strategies for political campaigns
Draft reports and summaries of research findings
Conduct surveys to measure public opinion on political issues
Develop innovative approaches to research and analysis
Design and implement survey experiments
Monitor current events and trends to inform political strategy
Analyze and interpret data from various sources
Provide expert advice on voter behavior and political strategies
Track and analyze media coverage of political issues
Analyze political campaign messaging and communications strategies

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong analytical and research skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Knowledge of survey design, sampling procedures, and data collection methods
Ability to accurately interpret survey results and draw meaningful conclusions
Proficiency in statistical software programs
Knowledge of political science and/or public opinion research
Good attention to detail
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Flexibility to work long hours and travel when needed
Knowledge of online survey tools and platforms

Effective political opinion researchers must possess a variety of skills, including strong analytical and problem solving abilities, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the capacity to conduct research in an ethical and unbiased manner. In order to accurately assess public opinion, researchers must be able to effectively utilize a range of data sources, such as surveys, polls, and focus groups, in order to gain an accurate understanding of the political climate. they must be able to interpret the data they have collected, draw meaningful conclusions, and present their findings in a clear and concise manner.

Furthermore, they must be able to identify potential biases in their research and employ strategies to ensure their research is conducted in an impartial manner. Finally, political opinion researchers must have the ability to work well with other members of the research team and build relationships with external stakeholders. All of these skills are essential for success in this field.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What do you consider to be the most important political issues that need to be addressed?
How do you stay up-to-date with changes in the political landscape?
How have your past experiences prepared you for a role as a political opinion researcher?
What methods do you use to accurately gauge public opinion on political issues?
How have you used data analysis to inform your research?
How do you balance research accuracy with timeliness?
How do you interpret survey results to inform decision making?
Are there any ethical considerations that you take into account when conducting research?
How do you ensure accuracy and validity of your research?
How do you communicate your research findings in a clear and concise manner?

Common Tools in Industry

SurveyMonkey. An online survey platform that allows you to create custom surveys to gather opinions from respondents. (eg: Create a survey to understand public opinion on a proposed policy change).
Google Forms. A web-based application for creating and sharing surveys, polls, questionnaires, and quizzes. (eg: Create a questionnaire to understand the public's opinion on a current political issue).
Qualtrics. Online survey tool for creating and managing multiple surveys with customizable options. (eg: Create a survey to understand public opinion on a new candidate).
SPSS. Statistical software used for data analysis and to generate reports. (eg: Analyse survey results to gain insights into public opinion).
Excel. Spreadsheet software used for data analysis and visualization. (eg: Create charts and graphs to visualize survey answers).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR)
National Council on Public Polls (NCPP)
The World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR)
The American Statistical Association (ASA)
International Association for Public Opinion Research (IAPOR)
Gallup Organization
Roper Center for Public Opinion Research
Pew Research Center
Ipsos Public Affairs
YouGov

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Common Important Terms

Survey Research. A type of research in which data is collected from a sample of individuals, often using questionnaires or interviews, in order to measure attitudes and opinions about a particular issue.
Qualitative Research. A type of research that involves the collection and analysis of data such as interviews, focus groups, observations, and surveys in order to gain an understanding of how people think, feel, and behave.
Quantitative Research. A type of research that involves the collection and analysis of numerical data in order to answer specific questions.
Data Analysis. The process of organizing and summarizing data in order to draw conclusions and make decisions.
Statistical Analysis. The use of mathematical methods to analyze data in order to draw conclusions and make decisions.
Polling. The practice of surveying a sample of people in order to measure their opinions and attitudes about a particular issue.
Sampling. The process of selecting a subset of individuals from a larger population in order to measure their opinions and attitudes.
Opinion Research. The practice of studying public opinion in order to inform decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Political Opinion Researcher?

A Political Opinion Researcher is responsible for conducting research and analysis to inform public opinion on political issues and to help inform political campaigns and decisions.

What skills do Political Opinion Researchers need?

Political Opinion Researchers need to have strong research and analytical skills, as well as an understanding of political science, sociology, and economics. They also need excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

What qualifications do Political Opinion Researchers typically have?

Political Opinion Researchers typically have at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as political science, sociology, or economics. Many researchers also have advanced degrees such as master's or doctorate degrees.

What is the average salary of a Political Opinion Researcher?

The average salary of a Political Opinion Researcher can range from $45,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and location.

What types of organizations hire Political Opinion Researchers?

Political Opinion Researchers can be employed by political campaigns, political consulting firms, political think-tanks, non-profit organizations, universities, media companies, and other organizations related to politics.