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Polling: meaning, definitions and examples

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polling

 

[ˈpəʊlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

data collection

The process of gathering information or opinions from a group of people to make decisions or analyze trends.

Synonyms

opinion poll, questionnaire, survey.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
polling

Used when referring to the act of voting or the process of collecting votes, often in elections.

  • On election day, the polling stations were open from 7 AM to 8 PM.
  • The company used polling to determine the most popular product among customers.
survey

Denotes a broader method of collecting data and information from a group of people, which could include various techniques such as questionnaires, interviews, or observations.

  • We conducted a survey to understand employee satisfaction within the company.
  • The survey results indicated a high level of customer satisfaction with the new product.
questionnaire

Refers to a set of written or printed questions used to gather information from respondents, often used in research, surveys, or assessments.

  • The research team handed out a questionnaire to collect data on consumer behavior.
  • Participants were asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire about their dietary habits.
opinion poll

Applied when talking about a method of gauging public opinion on various topics, typically through questions asked to a random sample of people.

  • The opinion poll showed that 60% of people support the new policy.
  • Before launching the new campaign, they conducted an opinion poll to understand the audience's preferences.

Examples of usage

  • The polling data indicated a significant lead for the incumbent candidate.
  • The company conducted a polling exercise to understand customer preferences.
Context #2 | Noun

voting

The act of casting votes in an election or on a particular issue.

Synonyms

balloting, election, voting.

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Word Description / Examples
polling

Polling is often used to describe the process of counting and collecting votes, or asking people's opinions in surveys. It’s commonly mentioned in contexts involving the procedure of gathering data or votes.

  • The polling stations will open at 7 AM.
  • A recent polling suggests that the candidate has a strong lead.
voting

Voting describes the action of making a choice or decision in an election or on a particular issue. This term can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • Voting is a fundamental right in a democracy.
  • Online voting will be available for those unable to attend in person.
balloting

Balloting typically refers to the process of voting, especially when using ballots. It is often used in formal and official contexts, such as elections or organizational votes.

  • The balloting for the new committee members will take place next month.
  • Balloting proceeded smoothly despite the rain.
election

Election refers to the organized process in which people vote to choose leaders or decide on policies. It commonly appears in governmental, organizational, or community contexts.

  • The presidential election is held every four years.
  • Turnout for the local election was surprisingly high.

Examples of usage

  • The polling stations opened early to accommodate the high voter turnout.
  • The candidate was ahead in the polls leading up to the election day.
Context #3 | Verb

data collection

To conduct a survey or gather information from a group of people.

Synonyms

collect data, question, survey.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
polling

Used in the context of gathering opinions or votes from a specific group, often related to elections or public opinion on certain issues.

  • The company was polling its employees to understand their preferences for the new office layout.
  • Polling stations will be open from 7 AM to 7 PM on election day.
survey

Utilized when gathering detailed information from a group of people, often through a structured questionnaire. Frequently used in market research, academic studies, or customer feedback.

  • The hotel conducted a survey to gather feedback from its guests about their stay.
  • We are planning to survey residents about their satisfaction with the new park.
question

Commonly used in everyday conversations when asking for information or clarification on any topic.

  • I want to question the chef about the ingredients used in this dish.
  • Students were encouraged to question their teachers about anything they didn't understand.
collect data

Appropriate in technical or research contexts where information is being systematically gathered for analysis or study.

  • Researchers are collecting data on the effects of the new medication.
  • We need to collect data from various sources to make an informed decision.

Examples of usage

  • The organization is currently polling its members for feedback on the new policy.
  • The website allows users to participate in polling on various topics.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term comes from the Old English word 'poll', which means 'head', signifying counting heads or people.
  • The first recorded opinion polls in the U.S. date back to the 19th century, primarily used for elections.
  • Polling has evolved over time, from hand-written surveys to sophisticated online systems that gather data from millions.

Politics

  • Polling is crucial during elections, often predicting the outcome and influencing voter perceptions.
  • The 'Gallup Poll', established in the 1930s, became a standard in measuring public opinion on various issues.
  • Exit polls, conducted as voters leave polling stations, are used to forecast election results before official counts.

Psychology

  • Polling studies can reveal social attitudes and behaviors, helping researchers understand public sentiment.
  • Data gathered from polls can indicate cognitive dissonance when people's beliefs conflict with their reactions.
  • Polls can influence individual opinions as people might shift their views based on perceived majority opinions.

Technology

  • Advancements in digital technology have transformed polling, allowing real-time feedback through social media platforms.
  • Online polling tools have emerged, enabling quick surveys to gather diverse opinions across geographical boundaries.
  • Mobile apps are increasingly used for polling, making it easier to reach younger demographics who favor tech-based communication.

Cultural Significance

  • Polling reflects societal values, showing what issues are deemed important by specific demographics.
  • Some cultural movements have successfully utilized polling to gauge support and mobilize collective action.
  • In media, polling results often set the agenda, shaping public discourse and political debates.

Translations

Translations of the word "polling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 votação

🇮🇳 मतदान

🇩🇪 Abstimmung

🇮🇩 pemungutan suara

🇺🇦 голосування

🇵🇱 głosowanie

🇯🇵 投票 (とうひょう)

🇫🇷 vote

🇪🇸 votación

🇹🇷 oylama

🇰🇷 투표 (tupyo)

🇸🇦 تصويت

🇨🇿 hlasování

🇸🇰 hlasovanie

🇨🇳 投票 (tóupiào)

🇸🇮 glasovanje

🇮🇸 atkvæðagreiðsla

🇰🇿 дауыс беру

🇬🇪 ხმების მიცემა

🇦🇿 səsvermə

🇲🇽 votación

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,176, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.