Originally Posted by
80ktsClamp
The fact is that both suffer from selection bias. Neither is a true statistical example- only Wilson Polling would be able to get that. I'd be willing to bet that an extremely high % that participated in the DPA one participated in the DALPA one.
Trying to insinuate that one is more scientifically valid than the other like Reroute did is incorrect and shows a poor understanding of statistics. I'm sure the DALPA one will have more participants than the DPA one, therefore giving a slightly better cross section and reducing some of the selection bias, but neither is truly scientifically valid unless one of them miraculously reaches 100% participation.
The two surveys in question aren't necessarily trying to be statistically acurate. A more accurate description of them is "politically accurate". An elected official doesn't care about the opinion of someone who doesn't participate in the political process. I suspect there is a roll for Wilson polling which is statistically accurate but it is simply a data point to determine where there may be a divergence from what the politically active think and what the general population thinks.
Our system is set up so those who actually attend meetings and propose resolutions are heard the loudest. Sometimes that leads to a vocal minority driving the agenda. As good as technology is now I think we could do more to make participating easier. In my opinion more people involved means a better system.
That said, if you are reading this you have probably already taken the survey so I'm not going to say take the survey. Instead you should tell everyone you run into to take the survey. I'm talking about the ALPA survey since they actually represent us.