Sampling Method Used in Exit Polls

Exit polls in elections are based on which type of sampling?

Correct Answer Explanation

Exit polls use random sampling — a random sample of voters who exit the polling booths are asked whom they voted for, and from this sample, election results are predicted.

Key Points:

• Exit polls are a real-world application of random sampling.
• The prediction from exit polls is not always correct because of sampling error — the sample may not perfectly represent the entire population of voters.
• Exit polls are widely used by television networks to provide election coverage and predict results.
• The accuracy depends on the size and representativeness of the random sample taken.