ALBERTA THE VANGUARD OF CANADIAN HAPPINESS
Many policy experts are emphasising the importance of understanding subjective wellbeing and happiness. One longstanding method of measuring subjective wellbeing is to ask respondents to rate their perceived quality of life. We did just that recently with a large random sample of Canadians (n=2,053). The results provide a snapshot of Canadians’ subjective wellbeing. Additional analysis also provides some hints as to the determinants of self-rated quality of life and the distribution of happiness in Canadian society.
First of all, Canadians are a relatively contented lot. Only single digit numbers consider their quality… [More...]
ACCURATE POLLING, FLAWED FORECAST – June 17, 2011
AN EMPIRICAL RETROSPECTIVE ON ELECTION 41
By Frank Graves
Introduction: The Nature and Purpose of this Test
“Mistakes are the portals of discovery.” -James Joyce
As the dust settles on what was an extraordinary 41st Canadian election campaign, it may be worthwhile taking a more careful look back at the polls. While focussing on our own research, our observations are intended to have more general relevance to the debate about the role of polling in the democratic process. In fact, the research has important lessons on the shifting nature of our society which has important implications… [More...]