Which term describes a method of systematically questioning a small, representative sample of respondents?

• A. Survey
• B. Experiment
• C. Opinion poll
• D. Interview

Answer: (C)

Measuring what a larger population thinks by asking a carefully chosen, representative group is what an opinion poll does. It’s designed to gauge public sentiment on a topic by questioning a small subset in a way that reflects the broader population, with standardized questions so the results can be generalized. This differs from a general survey, which is a broader data-collection method that may not always use a representative sample or focus solely on opinions. An experiment involves manipulating conditions to observe effects, not just asking about opinions. An interview is a data-collection method that can be used within surveys or polls, but the described aim—systematically questioning a representative sample to infer views—fits an opinion poll best.