Showing posts with label YouGov. Show all posts
Showing posts with label YouGov. Show all posts

23/11/2010

YouGov Health Warning

A new Welsh YouGov survey is due out before the end of this week. Apart from asking the normal tracker questions about which party one will be voting for in the next Assembly elections and how one will vote in the GoW Act referendum it also asks for responses to the Assembly budget. I expect that the budget question will be happy reading for the Welsh Conservative Party – with a huge percentage saying that Health Spending should not be cut, as per Tory group policy.

Unfortunately the question on spending cuts was leading and therefore unfair. The question asked, which ONE of the following areas of spending should NOT be cut? Followed by a list that included culture, transport, education health etc.

Respondents didn't have the opportunity to answer none of the above or to say all spending areas should be cut. The option of supporting the Assembly Governments' decision to spread the cuts across all areas wasn't on offer so respondents were "forced" to choose one area of spending that should not be cut. I would guessed that having been forced to make a choice that most would choose health, thus vindicating the Tory policy by default.

Anybody wishing to join the YouGov panel in order to be in with a chance of being a respondent in future surveys can do so by clicking HERE.

16/11/2009

New Welsh Poll on Friday?

YouGov has sent out invitations to panel members to take part in the second of its series of Welsh political opinion polls.

The last poll invitation was sent out on the 22nd October and the results published five days latter. If the current poll follows the same pattern then this result should be out on Friday. It will be interesting to see what, if any, changes there have been over the past month.

Any body wishing to join YouGov and possibly be selected for the next Welsh panel can do so by clicking THIS LINK

27/10/2009

Welsh poll - read the small print!

Before Labour supporters start drowning their sorrows and Conservative supporters start dancing in the street in reaction to today's YouGov poll - a word of caution. Apparently The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+). This has been one of the reasons why most previous Welsh polls have proved disastrously inaccurate. Wales is not a mini GB. In Wales the C2s Ds and Es are a much more important factor in elections than the C1s who swing middle England for one party or an other.

Its good to see the beginning of regular Welsh polling, but until there have been a number of Welsh polls which can be used to show trends and until there have been enough polls conducted near real elections in order for the weighting to be adjusted to reflect actual voting patterns the results of Welsh polls must still be treated with caution and digested with a large pinch of salt.

22/10/2009

Tanni for FM?

I have just completed a Welsh survey for YouGov. Amongst the predictable question about which party one would vote for and opinions about devolution there was this question:

Which one of these would you prefer to see as First Minister for Wales?
Katherine Jenkins
Tom Jones
Gavin Henson
Joe Calzaghe
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Ruth Jones
Ryan Giggs
Colin Jackson
Rob Brydon
Tanni Grey-Thompson
Charlotte Church
Duffy
Someone else
Don't know/ no preference

I voted for Tanni. Do you agree with my choice?

Apparently YouGov will be conducting a number of Welsh polls over the next few months, which will be analyzed by Richard Wyn Jones to see how accurate they are. The panel of those polled is made up of a weighted selection of Welsh members of YouGov. If you would like to join YouGov and be in with a chance of being selected for the Welsh panel you can do so by clicking HERE

04/09/2008

You Gov starts Welsh Panel

Last August I wrote a post on this blog saying:

Unfortunately YouGov doesn’t do Welsh Polls, mainly because there are not enough Welsh members to create a reliable poll. Wales is considered to be a part of the Midlands of England because of the lack of Welsh members!

I also encouraged those who were interested in Welsh current affairs to join YouGov in order to ensure that there are enough Welsh members to enable the company to produce Welsh polls.

I was pleased to be informed today that YouGov in partnership with the BBC and research company SPA has now set up a panel called WalesView which will be conducting regular research into a variety of topics concerning Wales.

I shall look forward to taking part in these surveys and seeing what they report.

If you would like to join YouGove you can do so by clicking here.

15/08/2008

YouGov: How important do you think political blogs are?

I have been away for a few days visiting our Capital City, so sorry for lack of posts, responses and other things expected of me!

Apart from not doing blogging I haven't done any YouGov surveys this week either so my views aren't included in these results. However whilst trawling through my e-mails I read the results from last Friday's (I think) YouGov daily survey and thought that it might be of interest to fellow bloggers:

How often do you read political blogs?
Not at all 40%
Rarely 34.3%
Occasionally 21%
Frequently 2.7%
Regularly 1.3%

How important do you think political blogs are?

To you and you family
Very important 1.4%
Important 5%
Neither 10.1%
Not very important 17.1%
Not important at all 55.1%

To politics
Very important 3.6%
Important 20.2%
Neither 13.2%
Not very important 15.5%
Not important at all 32.3%

To democracy
Very important 6.8%
Important 18.3%
Neither 12.8%
Not very important 13.6%
Not important at all 33.9%

To the UK
Very important 3.6%
Important 14.3%
Neither 16.4%
Not very important 16%
Not important at all 35.2%

To the internet
Very important 5.2%
Important 21.2%
Neither 14.8%
Not very important 13.1%
Not important at all 31.5%

To the bloggers themselves
Very important 34%
Important 23.3%
Neither 6.3%
Not very important 3.5%
Not important at all 19.9%

YouGov is probably the most reliable of pollster, but it's polls are all conducted on-line. Usually, this doesn't matter - because a wide enough section of the general population uses the internet and is confident enough in its use of on-line facilities to ensure a fair cross section. But when the questions, such as this one, involve internet services, one suspects that YouGov's results might have a certain bias.

A poll of confident internet users that says that only 1.3% of them bother to read political blogs regularly, and fewer than 6.5% think that political blogs are of any importance to the political process, is very disappointing. If a similar poll that included people without internet access or who have little confidence in the service was conducted the lack of relevance of poliblogs would be even greater.

On the other hand, of course, the fact that I blog, and my sister (who's opinions are as relevant as mine) doesn't, shouldn't mean that my opinions are more worthy or influential than hers - so it may be a sign of a more mature democracy on these islands that we don't give blogs quite as much credence as they seem to have in other Western democracies!

If you would like to join YouGov so that your opinions on questions such as this can be counted click here

23/06/2008

You Gov: Religious symbols

Last Friday's daily YouGov poll has a Welsh angle in that some of the question arose out of the decision by Sarika Watkins-Sing to take Aberdare Girls' School to court. Here are the results:

An owner of a hairdressing salon has been fined 4,000 pounds and accused of religious discrimination for refusing to employ a Muslim woman who was not prepared to remove her headscarf when styling clients' hair or model alternative hairstyles.

Do you agree or disagree that the salon owner is guilty of religious discrimination?
Strongly agree 7%
Agree 14%
Disagree 20%
Strongly Disagree 55%
Dont know 4%

What do you think about the level of the fine (4,000 pounds) the salon owner has been asked to pay?Too high 28%
About right 10%
Too low 2%
The salon owner should not have been fined 56%
Dont know 5%

To what extent, if at all, do you think an individual's human rights have been infringed by rules that do not permit the wearing of the following religious symbols in the WORKPLACE?

A bangle (Kara)
A very large extent 10%
A large extent 12%
A very small extent 12%
A small extent 13%
Not at all 45%
Dont know 8%

A headscarf (Hijab)
A very large extent 6%
A large extent 13%
A very small extent 12%
A small extent 15%
Not at all 48%
Dont know 7%

A full covering (Burqa)
A very large extent 5%
A large extent 8%
A very small extent 9%
A small extent 10%
Not at all 60%
Dont know 7%

A necklace with a cross
A very large extent 17%
A large extent 14%
A very small extent 12%
A small extent 12%
Not at all 40%
Dont know 6%

A school has asked a Sikh pupil to remove a religious bangle (Kara) because all pupils are not permitted to wear jewellery other than wristwatches and plain ear studs. Do you agree or disagree with the school's ruling?
Strongly agree 47%
Agree 26%
Disagree 17%
Strongly Disagree 7%
Dont know 3%

To what extent, if at all, do you think an individual's human rights have been infringed by rules that do not permit the wearing of the following religious symbols AT SCHOOL?

Sikh bangle (Kara)
A very large extent 7%
A large extent 9%
A very small extent 10%
A small extent 13%
Not at all 55%
Dont know 5%

Muslim headscarf (Hijab)
A very large extent 6%
A large extent 11%
A very small extent 9%
A small extent 14%
Not at all 55%
Dont know 5%

A full covering (Burqa)
A very large extent 4%
A large extent 7%
A very small extent 8%
A small extent 11%
Not at all 64%
Dont know 5%

A necklace with a cross
A very large extent 12%
A large extent 10%
A very small extent 10%
A small extent 12%
Not at all 51%
Dont know 5%


I had some difficulty with this one, on the one hand I believe that workplaces and schools have the right to make their own reasonable rules regarding what is or isn't acceptable dress code. On the other hand I realise that because my religious views don't require the display of any symbols, it is a lot easier for me to live within such rules than it is for those of other faiths. So I voted don't know to all the questions.

Clik Here is you would like to be part of the YouGov panels

20/06/2008

YouGov Gay weddings and Holidays

Here are the results of the YouGov poll on gay marriages which I mentioned on Wednesday, with some additional results on holidaying intentions.

The wife of the failed July 21 bomber Hussain Osman was sentenced for 15 years for not informing the police of the attempted suicide bombing in advance. Do you think the sentencing is...
Too harsh 12%
Too lenient 27%
About Right 57%
Dont know 4%

In the US, the state of California has granted marriage licences to gay couples for the first time. Do you think Britain should follow suit?
Yes 50%
No 41%
Dont know 9%

To what extent do you think that gay couples should enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples?
A very large extent 35%
A large extent 19%
A small extent 10%
A very small extent 6%
None at all, the two types of couples should be treated as separate 26%
Dont know 3%

With the summer holiday season almost upon us which of the following applies to you?
I have already taken my summer holiday 10%
I intend go on a summer holiday and intend to be away for more than 2 weeks 7%
I intend go on a summer holiday for up to 2 weeks 15%
I intend go on a summer holiday for up to 1 week 16%
I intend to go on holiday later within the last four months 17%
I do not intend to go on holiday this year 32%
Don't know 3%

And where do you intend to visit (or did you visit) this year on your summer holidays?
UK 25%
Southern Europe 18%
Northern Europe 6%
Eastern Europe 2%
North America 6%
South America 1%
The Caribbean 2%
Africa 2%
The Middle East 0.6%
Asia 2%
Other 2%
I do not intend to go on holiday this year 30%
Dont know 5%

When deciding about where to go on holiday, how important, if at all, were these factors?
Climate change
Very important 8%
Important 23%
Unimportant 39%
Very unimportant 3%
Don't know 7%

Price
Very important 56%
Important 33%
Unimportant 5%
Very unimportant 3%
Don't know 3%

Journey time
Very important 19%
Important 44%
Unimportant 28%
Very unimportant 6%
Don't know 3%

Weather
Very important 34%
Important 40%
Unimportant 19%
Very unimportant 3%
Don't know 3%

Activities available at destination
Very important 19%
Important 43%
Unimportant 28%
Very unimportant 7%
Don't know 3%

Ethical reputation of airline
Very important 6%
Important 22%
Unimportant 33%
Very unimportant 9%
Don't know 10%

Ethical reputation of travel operator
Very important 7%
Important 24%
Unimportant 31%
Very unimportant 28%
Don't know 10%

How does the amount you intend to spend (or have already spent) on this years summer holiday compare with that of last year?
Decrease by 20% or more 17%
Decrease by at least 10% but less than 20% 5%
Decrease by at least 1% but less than 10% 3%
No change 34%
Increase by at least 1% but less than 10% 8%
Increase by at least 10% but less than 20% 8%
Increase by 20% or more 9%
Don't know 17%

My answers were about right to the first question. Yes to should gay weddings be allowed in Britain; to a very large extent on if gay couples should enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples and I don't intend to go on holiday to the fourth question. Because I don't intend having a holiday, I wasn't asked the other holiday questions.

Please go to YouGov if you would like to be part of the surveying fun.

YouGov: Law and Order etc

For some reason YouGov seems to be out of sync with their surveys. The results of the Wednesday survey on gay marriages hasn't been sent out yet. However further results from Tuesday's survey on the tanker driver's strike, boozing laws and law and order have been published.

Overall, 60% of panellist opposed the tanker drivers strike and 30% supported the strike.

In regards to drinking, 67% support increasing the age of purchasing alcohol from 18 to 21 and 29% would like the age limit to remain at 18.

There is a similar level of support for a higher age limit on buying alcoholic drinks in pubs and clubs (64%) and 36% oppose this.

A slight majority (52%) think that retailers should stop offering cheap alcoholic drink deals and 43% would like these bargains to continue.


The full set of results for the crime questions are below.

To what extent do you think the people listed below should be responsible for reducing crime in your local area?

Neighbourhood Watch
A very large extent 4.6%
A large extent 17.6%
A small extent 50.9%
A very small extent 21.9%
Not involved at all 3.6%

The Police
A very large extent 73.6%
A large extent 22.1%
A small extent 2.3%
A very small extent 0.7%
Not involved at all 0.5%

Local Councils
A very large extent 25.1%
A large extent 45.3%
A small extent 21.1%
A very small extent 5.1%
Not involved at all 2.3%

The parents
A very large extent 52.8%
A large extent 34.1%
A small extent 7.8%
A very small extent 3.5%
Not involved at all 0.8%

Local voluntary organizations
A very large extent 2.4%
A large extent 8.5%
A small extent 42.1%
A very small extent 30.8%
Not involved at all 13.9%

In order to restore trust in the criminal justice system, the government has proposed various measures aiming at reducing the crime rate. Which of the following do you approve of?
Police community support officers should be given more powers in issuing fines and detention 58.5%
People serving community sentences should be forced to wear visible jackets in order to show that they are being punished by law 58.4%
The administration of the criminal justice system should be removed from the probation service and contracted out to a new organisation.14.9%
Publishing "conviction posters", showing the public the profiles of the convicted criminals. 44.2%
A public commissioner should be appointed to represent victims of crime 48.5%


Clik Here is you would like to be part of the YouGov panels

18/06/2008

YouGov: EU

Yesterday's daily YouGov survey asked about attitudes to the EU in response to the Lisbon vote in Ireland. Here are the results:

Three quarters of those surveyed would like to see a referendum on the Lisbon treaty in the UK and all EU member states. A minority of 11% think votes should not be held in EU countries.

Most of those polled believe that the 35 years of EU membership has had a negative impact on Britain's laws and institutions (69%) and personal freedoms (61%). Only 24% and 18% said that membership has had a positive impact on personal freedoms and laws and institutions, respectively.

Opinion is roughly split on whether Britain should continue its membership of the European Union with 44% supporting continued membership and 48% opposing.


Today's survey includes these questions?

The wife of the failed July 21 bomber Hussain Osman was sentenced for 15 years for not informing the police of the attempted suicide bombing in advance. Do you think the sentencing is ….
Too harsh
Too lenient
About Right
Don’t know


In the US, the state of California has granted marriage licences to gay couples for the first time. Do you think Britain should follow suit?
Yes
No
Don’t know

To what extent do you think that gay couples should enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples?
A very large extent
A large extent
A small extent
A very small extent
None at all, the two types of couples should be treated as separate
Don’t know

I'll post the answers tomorrow. If you would like to join YouGov so that your opinions on questions such as this can be counted click here

16/06/2008

YouGov: David Davis

YouGov has a panel of some 5,000 members who fill in a daily survey. Some of the questions on Friday's survey were about David Davis, the petrol tanker driver's strike and releasing very old prisoners. Here are the results:

A similar proportion support (41%) and oppose (45%) the decision by David Davis to resign over the 42-day detention of terrorist suspects.

Interestingly, half believe the Liberal Democrats made the right decision not stand against David Davis in a by-election, yet the same proportion say it is wrong for the Labour Party not to stand.

Two thirds of panellists say it is morally wrong for the Government to offer concessions and deals to other parties on unrelated matters in order to get its legislation through.

On the subject of petrol, half of the panelists intend to make fewer car journeys as a consequence of increasing prices. And, most seem confident that there will be no petrol shortages as 48% of respondents have not filled up the car in advance of the tanker strike. Only 10% have topped up, just in case.

An overwhelming majority (85%) say that convicted murders such as the Black Panther should never become eligible for parole no matter what their age.

If you would like to join YouGov you can do so by clicking here.

13/06/2008

YouGov: individual rights and freedoms

YouGov has a panel of some 5,000 members who fill in a daily survey. Some of the questions on yesterdays survey were about individuals' rights and freedoms here are the results:

Britain has been called a 'surveillance society' where peoples actions are routinely monitored. To what extent do you agree or disagree that Britain is a 'surveillance society'?

Strongly agree 36.7%
Agree 43.3%
Disagree 13.7%
Strongly Disagree 3.2%
Dont know 3.2%

The need for greater public security, prevention of fraud and environmental concerns has led to a range of initiatives that require the monitoring of daily activities. Which, if any, of these do initiatives do you think has or would have beneficial effects on individuals' rights and freedoms?

CCTV cameras 48.5%
ID cards 37.9%
Finger printing in schools 14.8%
Congestion charging 13.2%
Chip and Pin 53.5%
Fitting microchips in wheelie bins 4.6%
Tracking of retail purchases 7.8%
Tracking of travel patterns 9.7%
Biometric passports 40.2%

And looking at this list again, which, if any, do you think has, or would have, a negative effect on individuals' rights and freedoms?

CCTV cameras 22.7%
ID cards 39.7.9%
Finger printing in schools 55.7%
Congestion charging 41.6%
Chip and Pin 7.2%%
Fitting microchips in wheelie bins 66.8%
Tracking of retail purchases 62.8%
Tracking of travel patterns 58%
Biometric passports 24.1%

A few local councils have been randomly selecting household rubbish bins as part of a study to find out how much food people throw away. Householders were told about the search after it had been carried out and issued with replacement bins. Which of these statements do you most agree with?

This was an invasion of privacy and should not have been allowed 66.5%
The study will provide important data on how much food people really are wasting and was worth the small invasion of privacy 23.4%
Neither of these 7.6%


If you would like to join YouGov you can do so by clicking here.

26/08/2007

YouGov and Wales

Apparently YouGov is the polling company that has provided the most consistently reliable Scottish polls in recent years.

Unfortunately YouGov doesn’t do Welsh Polls, mainly because there are not enough Welsh members to create a reliable poll. Wales is considered to be a part of the Midlands of England because of the lack of Welsh members!

There is no way that a YouGov poll can be hijacked by, say, 5000 Plaid members joining on mass, as the administrators carefully choose who is asked what question, but the more Welsh members, the more likely that Welsh issues can be addressed by the company.

Members of YouGov get paid for giving poll opinions (about 50p a throw). You can't take money out of the scheme until you have earned £50 (i.e. done about 100 questionnaires). How long it takes you to be invited to take part in a 100 questionnaires depends on your profile.

If you would like to join YouGov by clicking on this link, I get a backhander for enrolling you. If you don't want me to get that backhander, fine, Google will give you means of joining YouGov independently. But do join, one way or another. The more Welsh members, the better the chance of reliable Welsh polls.