Common Types of Questions in Political Science Surveys

Simple Agree/Disagree

"The government in Washington ought to see to it that everybody who wants to work can find a job.  Do you agree or disagree?"

Likert-Style

"Over the years, how much attention do you feel the government pays to what the people think when it decides what to do -- a good deal, some, or not much?"

Feeling Thermometer

"I'd like to get your feelings toward some of our political leaders and other people in the news these days. I'll ready the name of a person and I'd like you to rate that person using something we call the feeling thermometer. Ratings between 50 and 100 degrees mean that you feel favorable and warm toward the person. Ratings between 0 and 50 dgrees mean that you don't feel favorable toward the person and that you don't care too much for that person. You would rate the person at the 50 degree mark if you don't feel particularly warm or cold toward the person.  Our first person is _________. How would you rate him using the thermometer?"

Category Scale

"Some people feel that the government in Washington should see to it that every person has a job and a good standard of living...Others  think the government should just let each person get ahead on his/their own.. Where would you place yourself on this scale, or haven't you thought much about this?" (7-POINT SCALE SHOWN TO R)