The overall margin of error in the poll is plus or minus 7 percent. Smaller subsets of the sample, such as freshmen, females, blacks, etc., have larger margins of error ranging from 12 to 14 percent. Some of the most striking results of the poll reveal significant differences in responses between female and male students. The poll also indicates that there are large differences on some issues between black and white students. Some 49 percent of blacks consider their political views to be liberal, but only 18 percent of whites accept that label.
Comparisons are also possible between SAU students and students across the nation.
Linda J. Sax and others. On most issues attitudes of SAU freshmen are similar to those found at other universities. One exception involves a question on political efficacy, i.e., how much students feel empowered to effect change in society. SAU freshmen have much less confidence in that regard than freshmen around the country. The SAU Student Poll may also reveal how attitudes of current seniors have changed since they were freshmen.