This book describes how surveys are conducted in such a way that they can be believed, explains how to read statistical reports and analyze data and provides guidelines that are useful in evaluating polls. Using examples from contemporary large surveys and polls, as well as from the media, the authors stress the importance of understanding tables thoroughly before moving to interval statistics. In addition, they cover: the design of surveys; the steps for sampling and question writing; interviewing and coding strategies; survey analysis from frequency distributions and cross-tabulations through to control tables and correlation/regression; the ethics of survey research; and how to read and write reports of survey research.