Survey Design
The survey was designed to capture a representative sample of South Carolina residents who are eligible to vote. A mix of demographic variables, such as age, race, gender, and political affiliation, was incorporated to ensure that the sample accurately reflects the population of the state. The questionnaire covered a range of topics, including voter preferences in the presidential race, the importance of various political issues, and satisfaction with state and national leadership.
Data Collection
Data was collected between October 5th and 10th, 2024, using the Pollfish online survey platform. Respondents were selected using randomized sampling techniques to ensure a diverse and representative pool of participants from across South Carolina. The survey targeted eligible voters and was distributed across mobile devices to reach a broad cross-section of the population.
• Sample Size: 1,005 respondents
• Margin of Error: ± 3%
• Confidence Level: 95%
Survey Duration and Response Time
The survey was designed to be concise, with an estimated completion time of 10-15 minutes. Respondents answered a range of multiple-choice questions, and some questions allowed for open-ended responses to gather qualitative insights into voter attitudes.
Demographic and Weighting Adjustments
To ensure that the data reflects the voting population of South Carolina, the sample was weighted based on several demographic variables, including:
• Age
• Gender
• Race/Ethnicity
• Political Affiliation
• Geographic Location (urban/rural)
Weighting was applied where necessary to adjust for any imbalances in the sample in relation to South Carolina’s overall voter demographics as reported in the most recent census data and voter registration records.
Limitations
While every effort was made to ensure the accuracy and representativeness of the data, the following limitations should be noted:
• Non-response bias: As with any survey, some individuals may be less likely to respond based on factors such as political interest, internet access, or other personal reasons.
• Online sampling bias: Since the survey was conducted online, individuals without internet access or mobile devices may be underrepresented, although Pollfish’s broad mobile reach helps mitigate this issue.
• Self-reported data: Responses are based on self-reported behaviors and attitudes, which may not always align with actual voting behavior.
Contact Us
For more information about POSBRI, our research, or potential collaborations, contact
Dr. Poku-Agyemang
kpokuagyemang@claflin.edu