Why do so few users here not understand that single polls don't mean much?

[Loki Liesmith]

It’s the poll average that matters. Don’t people get that yet?

[former9thward]

1. Maybe you should provide context.

It helps...

[Loki Liesmith]

4. Just see a lot of panic

Over a single “poll” (really a Reuters online probability sample) that shows Trump at 49%.

This at a time when 2 other simultaneous polls have Trump down 15 and 9 (Pew and Monmouth respectively).

Given the statistical standards we use about 1 of every 20 polls should show bizarre or surprising results.

I’m not going to call out a single poster but it’s discouraging to see people who have been here longer than me freaking out. Haven’t we learned the game yet?

[Hoyt]

2. I think most do, but it is disturbing when object of poll should have a very low approval rating.

And many who disapprove do so only because the object of the poll isn’t deporting enough immigrants, dropping more bombs, shooting more innocent minorities, destroying safety net even faster, and worse.

[pnwmom]

3. And online, self-selected polls are always unreliable, no matter how much

they try to dress themselves up as real polls.

If they don't include a "margin of error," then they're a pseudo-poll, a non-scientific poll and no one should be posting them here.

[Loki Liesmith]

5. True

They’ve gotten better but still not proven methodologies.

[Loki Liesmith]

6. I'm cool with them posting those results

But they should put them in proper context...

[RockRaven]

7. Innumeracy is widespread. nt

[Loki Liesmith]

8. We are overdue for a CNN poll

Bet we see one tomorrow.