What is Public Opinion?

Opinion of community groups or synthesize the ideas and obtained from a social discussion of the parties, which has links of interest. Aggregate of attitudes and beliefs are usually adopted by the adult population. In determining public opinion, which is calculated is not the number of majority (numerical majority) but the majority is effective (effective majority).

The subject of public opinion is controversial new problem where the elements of public opinion is: a controversial statement, on a matter which is contradictory, and the first reaction / new ideas. Principles approach to the study of public opinion can be divided into four categories:

1. Quantitative measurement of the distribution of opinions.
2. Research on internal relations between the opinions of individuals who shape public opinion on an issue.
3. Descriptions of, or an analysis of the public role of public opinion.
4. better assessment of the communication media that gives rise to the idea that became the basis of opinions or media use by the perpetrator of propaganda and manipulation.

And according to Nimmo, the personal opinions of verbal and non verbal activities which present the image and the individual interpretation of a particular object, usually in the form of people debated the issues. Opinions can be expressed actively or passively. Opinions can be expressed verbally, opened with words that can be interpreted clearly, or through word choices are very subtle and not directly be interpreted (connotative). Opinions can also be expressed through behavior, body language, facial, written symbols, clothes, and by other signs are innumerable, by reference, values, views, attitudes, and loyalty. Public opinion is identical with the sense of freedom, openness in expressing ideas, opinions, desires, complaints, constructive criticism, and freedom in writing. In other words, public opinion was the effect of freedom in expressing ideas and opinions.