Outline five ways in which Public opinion is being measured?

Explanation

(i) Channels of communication: Public opinion can be determined by exploring all the channels of communication, e.g. opinions expressed in Newspapers, radio, television etc.

(ii) Opinions expressed by leaders of thought: It can be measured through opinions expressed by local leaders of thought or leaders in the representative assemblies.

(iii) Letters to government: It can be measured through the letters written by citizens to the government agencies expressing their opinions on particular issues of national importance.

(iv) Response to government policies: It can be measured through mass protests and demonstrations for or against government programmes.

(v) Referendum or Plebiscite: Government may conduct a referendum or plebiscite to determine what the people want on any particular issue.

(vi) Telephone calls: Phone-in programmes on radio and television stations, especially in Nigeria, are a great way of measuring public opinion