Citation

Myers RC. Am. Psychol. 1949; 4(1): 18-20.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1949, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/h0055179

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

"The roots of present-day opinion surveying are laid in the closely allied fields of journalism and advertising. The founders and directors have shown more interest in the propagandist's art of influencing man's opinion than in dispassionately assaying what that opinion, if any, might be." The American Association for Public Opinion Research is considered to constitute a trade association rather than a professional scientific society. Licensing of pollers was first proposed by Bernays in 1945. The present proposal is that a federal law be passed providing for the issuance of federal licenses to organizations engaging in interstate opinion polling activities. Minimum standards of scientifically ethical practice must be an integral part of the law. It is suggested that Congress ask the American Psychological Association, the American Sociological Society and the American Statistical Association to appoint advisory committees. 15 references. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)