Absolutely agreed.
You really have to look carefully at “studies”.
Who did the study? Were they truly independent or was there an agenda? Was their funding provided by someone or an organization with an agenda?
There are always crucial questions about populations. How large was the sample? Normally one of the first things I jump to. (There are exceptions, ie certain conditions or issues only apply to a minimal number of people). Small sample sizes are a favorite tactic of fraudsters.
How were the subjects chosen? What were the selection criteria? You can readily see how much room there is for manipulation.
What variables were controlled for? The best researchers can’t control for every possible variable that could impinge on their subjects, but they don’t overlook many. A really good, truly controlled study might even control for things like time of day, temperature, things we wouldn’t ordinarily think about, but could have an impact.
Then you can tear apart the methodology. Does it even make sense? Look carefully in the kinds of studies presented here, at the exact wording of each question.
Then see if their conclusions flow rationally from the data.
There is a lot involved in doing good, ethical, honest, competent research. It’s important for Freepers to develop a discerning eye for legitimate research vs the junk that liberals constantly peddle.
All of your points were 'on the money' and I enjoyed them all. And yes, you're right - but my comment sadly was the opposite. We also have to borrow some of democrats more manipulative tactics. "Culture Issue" push polls lack purity but serve a purpose. (yes, people agree with US about Christmas is powerful)...
Democrats poll questions that confirm their beliefs... further their cause... or defend their hatreds. It works. EVEN just asking the question will effect the way the issue is seen.
On numbers of people polled - IF you had the right 12 people in a poll you could do accurate national polling with those 12. Of course the odds of getting 'the right 12' works against the possibility.