Blog admin’s Notes: Reporting on surveys is a chapter in my Media Ethics class. The Pulse Asia survey released July 14, 2021 has a margin of error of +4 or-4. None of the analysts and news reporters were able to consider the margin of error in supposedly analyzing the numbers. The +4 or -4 means: Sara Duterte’s numbers are from 24 to 28 to 32; in other words, her lead ranges from 6 to 6+up percentage points. Isko, BM, Grace Poe, Manny Pacquiao, and Leni Robredo are “statistical ties” or probable ties for second place as of June 2021 when the survey was made: Isko’s numbers are from 10 to 14 to 18; BM’s numbers are from 9 to 13 to 17; Grace Poe’s numbers are from 6 to 10 to 14; Manny Pacquiao’s numbers are from 4 to 8 to 12; Leni Robredo’s numbers are from 2 to 6 to 10: They converge at 10: They can therefore be considered statistical ties. (Please look at the margin of error before speaking. Yun na lang muna sa ngayon, marami pong salamat. – marichu)
