Exit polling is commonly used during political elections to predict which person or issue will ultimately prevail. Explore this practice in your thesis. Gather information on how exit polling is conducted as well as who conducts these data gathering studies. Compare exit poll results to actual election results to determine how frequently these data collection efforts produce reliable figures.
The census is a vital tool used for statistical information gathering and the distribution of government funds. Discuss this once-every-10-year effort in your thesis. Begin by exploring the history of the census. Gather information on what census data were once used for, as well as how they are used currently. Explore the process the Census Bureau uses to gather census information and ensure that all Americans are counted. Explain how this process could be streamlined to reduce costs and increase effectiveness of census gathering.
Because Americans differ so significantly from region to region, it can be difficult to determine which group of individuals is more representative of America as a whole. Commercially, companies are interested in finding this information, as it allows them to better test their products and poll consumers. Explore statistical data and select a group of Americans you feel is appropriately representative of this diverse nation. Make reference to the statistics you reviewed when explaining which group you selected and demonstrating why that group is truly representative.
Statistics about race are continually under fire, as many argue that they do not accurately report information about race identity in America. Many surveys do not allow respondents to list multiple races, and those that do often misreport racial information by not taking bi- or multi-racial individuals into account properly. Explore statistics that relate to race and analyze the apparent accuracy of these statistics by placing them in comparison to each other. Discuss ways in which the process of gathering statistics about race could be improved to ensure that statistics present a true picture of the racial complexion of this country.