Methodology

2016 Pulse Survey

Prepared by Public Opinion Strategies
for the Public Affairs Council

The 2016 Pulse Survey poll results are from a survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies on behalf of the Public Affairs Council from September 12-17, 2016. The survey was conducted by telephone among a cross section of 1,000 adults (18+) nationwide.

The national sample for this poll was drawn in the following manner: Individuals were selected proportionate to the nation’s population in accordance with a probability sample design that gives all landline telephone numbers (both listed and unlisted) an equal chance to be included. Adults, age 18 years old or over, were selected by a systematic procedure to provide a balance of respondents by sex. Of the 1,000 interviews 450 respondents (45%) were reached on a cell phone. The cell phone sample was drawn from a list of cell phone users nationally.

The data’s margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points for 1,000 adults at the 95% confidence. Sample tolerances for subgroups are larger. Minimal weights, including to race and ethnicity, geographic region, age, and education have been applied.