FDU PublicMind - October 15, 2007 Release

Background Memo

Background Memo and Tables

The most recent survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMind was conducted by telephone from October 3 through October 9 using a randomly selected sample of 700 registered voters statewide. The sampling error for 700 respondents is +/-4 percentage points at the 95 percent level of confidence. Sample error for subgroups varies with the size of the subgroup. Survey results are also subject to non-sampling error. This kind of error, which cannot be measured, arises from a number of factors including, but not limited to, non-response (eligible individuals refusing to be interviewed), question wording, the order in which questions are asked, and variations among interviewers. All PublicMind interviews are conducted by TMR, Inc. of Cedar Knolls, NJ. Professionally trained interviewers use a CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) system. Random selection >is achieved through computerized random-digit dialing. This technique gives every person with a phone number (including those with unlisted numbers) an equal chance of being selected. Likely voters are screened through a series of questions. Results are mathematically weighted to match known demographics.

The questions included in this release are as follows:

Question: Now, turning to Delaware… In your opinion, do you think things in Delaware are moving in the right direction or have they gotten off on the wrong track?

Question: And turning back to Delaware… Do you approve or disapprove of the job Ruth Ann Minner is doing as governor? Would that be somewhat or strongly?

Question: Have you heard of [rotate list -- Note: Each respondent was only asked to identify six of nine people randomly selected and read in random order. Senator Biden is included in a different release.]? If you haven’t just tell me. [If yes, ask:] Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of …?

Question: And turning back to Delaware… Do you approve or disapprove of the job Ruth Ann Minner is doing as governor? Would that be somewhat or strongly?