I. Survey Methodology
The Elon University Poll is conducted using a stratified random sample of households with telephones in the population of interest – in this case citizens in North Carolina. The
sample of telephone numbers for the survey is obtained from Survey Sampling International, LLC.
Selection of Households
To equalize the probability of telephone selection, sample telephone numbers are systematically stratified according to subpopulation strata (e.g., a zip code, a county, a state, etc.), which yields a sample from telephone exchanges in proportion to each exchange's share of telephone households in the population of interest. Estimates of telephone households in the population of interest are generally obtained from several databases. Samples of telephone numbers are distributed across all eligible blocks of numbers in proportion to the density of listed households assigned in the population of interest according to a specified subpopulation stratum. Upon determining the projected (or preferred) sample size, a sampling interval is calculated by summing the number of listed residential numbers in each eligible block within the population of interest and dividing that sum by the number of sampling points assigned to the population. From a random start between zero and the sampling interval, blocks are systematically selected in proportion to the density of listed household "working blocks." A block (also known as a
bank) is a set of contiguous numbers identified by the first two digits of the last four digits of a telephone number. A working block contains three or more working telephone numbers. Exchanges are assigned to a population on the basis of all eligible blocks in proportion to the density of working telephone households. Once each population's proportion of
telephone households is determined, then a sampling interval, based on that proportion, is calculated and specific exchanges and numbers are randomly selected. Because exchanges and numbers are randomly selected by the computer, unlisted as well as listed telephone numbers are included in the sample. Thus, the sample of telephone numbers generated for the population of interest constitutes a random sample of telephone households of the population, stratified by exchange.
Procedures Used for Conducting the Poll
thThe survey was conducted Monday, April 16th through Thursday, April 19 of 2007.
During this time calls were made from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm EST. The Elon University Poll uses CATI system software (computer assisted telephone interviewing) in the administration of surveys. For each working telephone number in the sample, several attempts were made to reach the household. Only individuals in households 18 years or older were interviewed; those reached at business or work numbers were not interviewed. Interviews were completed with 476 adults from households in North Carolina. For a sample size of 476, there is a 95 percent probability that our survey results are within plus or minus 4.6 percent (the margin of error) of the actual population distribution for any given question. For sub-samples, the margin of error is higher depending on the size of the subsample. When we use a subsample, we identify these results as being from a subsample and provide the total number of respondents and margin of error for that subsample. In reporting our results, we note any use of a subsample where applicable.
Questions and Question Order
The Elon University Poll provides the questions as worded and the order in which these questions are administered (to respondents). Conspicuous in reviewing some questions is the “bracketed” information. Information contained within brackets ( [ ] ) denotes response options as provided in the question; this bracketed information is rotated per question to ensure that respondents do not receive a set order of response options presented to them, which also maintains question construction integrity by avoiding respondent acquiescence based on question composition. Some questions used a probe maneuver to determine a respondent’s intensity of perspective. Probe techniques used in this questionnaire mainly consist of asking a respondent if their response is more intense than initially provided. For example, upon indicating whether s/he is satisfied or dissatisfied, we asked the respondent “would you say you are very ”. This
technique is employed in some questions as opposed to specifying the full range of choices in the question. Though specifying the full range of options in questions is a commonly accepted practice in survey research, we sometimes prefer that the respondent determine whether their perspective is stronger or more intense for which the probe technique used. Another method for acquiring information from respondents is to ask an “open-ended”
question. The open-ended question is a question for which no response options are provided, i.e., it is entirely up to the respondent to provide the response information.
The Elon University Poll
The Elon University Poll is conducted under the auspices of the Center for Public Opinion Polling (Hunter Bacot, Director), which is a constituent part of the Institute for Politics and Public Affairs (George Taylor, Director); both these organizations are housed in the department of political science at Elon University. These academic units are part of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences at Elon University, which is under the direction of Dr. Steven House (Dean). The Elon University administration, led by Dr. Leo Lambert, President of the university, fully support the Elon University Poll as part of its service commitment to state, regional, and national constituents. Dr. Hunter Bacot, a professor in the department of political science, directs the Elon University Poll. Elon University students administer the survey as part of the University’s commitment to experiential learning where “students learn through doing.”
II. Survey Instrument and Percent Distributions by Question
Interviews were completed with 476 adults from households in the North Carolina. For a sample size of 476, there is a 95 percent probability that our survey results are within plus or minus 4.6 percent (the margin of error) of the actual population distribution for any given question. Data are weighted to reflect the adult population in terms of gender.
About the Codes appearing in Questions and Responses
Response Options not Response options are not offered to the person taking the survey
offered (respondent), but are included in the question as asked (and usually
denoted by brackets, [ ] ). Response options are generally offered
only for demographic (background characteristic) questions (e.g., age,
education, income, etc.).
v = volunteered response Respondents volunteer response option. As response options are not
offered to those taking the survey, some respondents offer or volunteer
response options. Though not all volunteered options can be
anticipated, the more common options are noted.
p = probed response Respondents self-place in this option or category. A probe maneuver
is used in questions to allow the respondent to indicate whether her/his
response is more intense than initially provided for in the choices
appearing in the question. For example, on probe questions the
interviewer, upon a respondent indicating that she/he is satisfied (or
dissatisfied), is instructed to ask him/her “Would you say you are “very
satisfied”?”
Frequency Tables
MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE IN N.C.
First, I would like to know what you think is the most important issue facing the state? (open ended)
Percent
ELEMENTARY & SECONDARY EDUCATION 16.8
ECONOMY 8.6
IRAQ WAR 7.9
TAXES 7.2
IMMIGRATION 6.9
JOBS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6.4
GAS PRICES 4.9
CRIME & DRUGS 4.2
ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY 3.7
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE/ MEDICAID OR MEDICARE 3.6
HEALTH CARE 2.5
TRAFFIC & ROAD CONSTRUCTION 2.4
FAMILY VALUES & MORALS 1.5
POVERTY 1.2
OTHER 10.3
DON T KNOW (v) 11.8
REFUSED (v) .2
100.0 Total (476; +/-4.6%)
REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAX & IMPACT FEE ISSUES
Now, changing topics. . . as you are likely aware, there are some proposals being considered for raising revenue for North Carolina local governments. . . one way to do this is using a county land transfer tax, also called a real estate transfer tax. . . just so I'm clear a land transfer tax is a tax charged when someone buys or sells property (real estate). . . .
Would you [support or oppose] the land transfer tax? (probe)
Percent
STRONGLY OPPOSE 32.3
OPPOSE 36.2
SUPPORT 17.7
STRONGLY SUPPORT 6.2
MAKES NO 2.1 DIFFERENCE TO ME (v)
DON T KNOW (v) 5.3
REFUSED (v) .2
100.0 Total (476; +/-4.6%)
Would you [support or oppose] the land transfer tax if all revenues raised went to education? (probe)
Percent
STRONGLY OPPOSE 15.6
OPPOSE 26.4
SUPPORT 31.6
STRONGLY SUPPORT 18.7
MAKES NO 1.7 DIFFERENCE TO ME (v)
DON T KNOW (v) 5.8
REFUSED (v) .2
100.0 Total (476; +/-4.6%)
Another way to raise revenue for local governments is by using an impact fee. . . As you likely know, an impact fee is a fee collected for each new development or house built in a county. . . the fees are used to help offset the costs to a county from new development or additional houses.
Would you [support or oppose] the use of an impact fee? (probe)
Percent
STRONGLY OPPOSE 12.7
OPPOSE 23.5
SUPPORT 35.8
STRONGLY SUPPORT 18.9
MAKES NO 1.5 DIFFERENCE TO ME (v)
DON T KNOW (v) 7.7
100.0 Total (476; +/-4.6%)
SMOKING BAN IN PUBLIC PLACES
Next, I'd like to ask you some questions about smoking policies in North Carolina.
I'm interested in what you think about smoking and second-hand smoke in North Carolina. Second-hand smoke, which as you are likely aware, is smoke released in the air by someone else's cigarette, cigar, or pipe.
Would you [support or oppose] a statewide law in North Carolina that would not allow smoking in public places, which includes public buildings, offices, restaurants, and bars? (probe)
Percent
STRONGLY OPPOSE 17.9
OPPOSE 16.0
SUPPORT 20.4
STRONGLY SUPPORT 41.6
MAKES NO 1.5 DIFFERENCE TO ME (v)
DON T THINK SMOKING
SHOULD BE 1.1
PROHIBITED (v)
DON T KNOW (v) 1.5
100.0 Total (476; +/-4.6%)
Support or Opposition to a State Law that would Not Allow Smoking in Public Places
100
90
80
70
Elon University Poll Sept 200660[Total=648, ?3.9%]Elon University Poll Nov 200650[Total=533, ?4.3%]Percent42.9Elon University Poll 41.641.4April 200740[Total=476, ?4.6%]
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