"Pseudopolls"

Hello everyone! In class we discussed the issue of "pseudopolls" which are fake or unscientific polls. These types of polls lead to bias results which pave the way to public skepticism. Those who participate are not part of a random sample and they do not represent public opinion. These are polls that can be taken online or even by text messaging the answer to a question to the people who are reporting on the poll and the results. The key here is that people are choosing to participate and chances are they are responding to a poll posted by a group who holds their views.
I found such a poll on embryonic stem cell research. The poll is posted on a website entitled "WorldNetDaily." There a few obvious issues with this poll. Not only is it an online poll in which anyone can vote (and you must sign up for an account in order to vote), but there are 22 answers to choose from for 1 question ("What's your view on embryonic stem cell research?") in which participants can cast their vote. The website does however only allow participants to vote 1 time but it does not let people know that this is an unscientific poll. Also, once a person has voted, s/he can view the results of the poll. I casted a vote and viewed the results which displays the most bias results I have yet to see in any poll relating to this issue. This is obviously a website for those in oppostition to embryonic stem cell research because about 99% of the votes are answers that in some form represent opposition to the issue at hand.
To compare these results with the poll I posted earlier from the Gallop Organization, which is a credible polling organization, less than 50% were opposed to embryonic stem cell research. This just proves the point that this poll is a "pseudopoll." Also, if you are bored one day, you can access polls from their website and start voting on many issues. It is quite humorous so if you feel like laughing, go to the website and scroll down below the article to begin voting, but remember you must create an account in order to cast your vote:

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=86957