How to access decades of U.S. public opinion polls through Roper iPoll

From presidential approval ratings to interpreting constitutional questions, high-quality public opinion polls reveal how Americans think and feel about major political, social and economic topics. But sometimes, journalists may not know which polls have solid survey methodologies or know how to compare polling trends over time — and it can seem daunting to track down survey results from dozens of polling firms.

Roper iPoll can help journalists find the current and historical polling data they need. It’s a comprehensive opinion data research platform that offers member access to nearly a million survey and poll questions from 1935 to today.

Through America’s Voice Project, an endeavor of the Board of Directors of the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research at Cornell University, eligible small media organizations and independent journalists can apply for a one-year membership to Roper iPoll.

Learn how Roper iPoll can inform your reporting during one of two webinars — Feb. 26 or March 4 — hosted by The Journalist’s Resource. (Webinar attendance is not required to apply.)

Kathleen Weldon, director of data operations at the Roper Center, will cover how Roper iPoll members can use, understand and access:

• Keyword search and extensive filters
• Historical data
• Up-to-date data from leading polling firms
• Trends over time
• Full questionnaires and methodology details
• Custom charts, demographics, and citations

Weldon will also answer questions submitted in advance and during the webinars.

The Feb. 26 webinar will start at 11 a.m. ET / 8 am PT. Register here.

The March 4 webinar will start at 3 p.m. ET / noon PT. Register here.

Both webinars will run up to an hour. Please attend the webinar that fits your schedule.