Research Solutions

Electoral Polls in Poland

Representative samples, transparent methodology, and likely voter models that predict real outcomes

The Weight of Getting It Right

Electoral polls are the most visible — and most scrutinised — form of public opinion research. When poll results appear on the evening news, millions of voters recalibrate their expectations. Political parties adjust their strategies. Media narratives shift. Getting it right is not just a methodological challenge — it’s a public responsibility. Fieldstat brings scientific polling rigour to every electoral, social, and political research project.

Dual-Methodology Polling

Methodology that withstands scrutiny. Our polls use dual-methodology collection: CATI (telephone interviews on landline and mobile samples) for demographic representativeness, and CAWI (online surveys on our NPB panel) for speed and cost efficiency. Results are weighted by age, gender, education, urbanisation, and region to match Census (GUS) population structures. We apply likely voter models to filter declared intent from actual voting probability.

Beyond Margin of Error — Systematic Challenges

The margin of error is not the margin of truth. For N=1,000, the statistical margin of error is ±3.1pp at 95% confidence. But poll accuracy depends on more than sample size: nonresponse bias (who refuses to participate?), the spiral of silence (shy voters hiding preferences), late-deciding voters, and turnout uncertainty all introduce systematic error. We address these challenges with advanced weighting, likely voter filters, and multi-method triangulation.

Social & Political Research Beyond Elections

Beyond elections. Fieldstat conducts social attitude research, public policy evaluation, referendum opinion measurement, and political sentiment tracking for government institutions, NGOs, media, and academic researchers. Our polling infrastructure supports both one-time studies and continuous tracking programmes with quarterly or monthly waves.

Methodological Transparency

Full transparency. Every Fieldstat poll is published with a complete methodological note: method, sample size, fieldwork dates, margin of error, weighting procedures, and question wording. We believe polling transparency is a professional and civic obligation.

Market in Numbers

±3.1pp
margin of error for N=1,000 at 95% confidence
CATI + CAWI
dual-methodology collection
3–5 days
standard poll turnaround
Full note
methodological transparency on every poll

Sources: CBOS, PTBRiO, ESOMAR polling standards

Polling Methodologies

Method Speed Cost Strength Challenge

CATI (telephone)

Medium (3–5 days)

Medium

Demographic representativeness

Declining response rates

CAWI (online)

Fast (2–3 days)

Low

Large samples, speed

Panel bias, self-selection

CATI + CAWI hybrid

Medium (3–5 days)

Medium

Best of both, triangulation

Requires mode adjustment

Face-to-face (CAPI)

Slow (1–2 weeks)

High

Highest representativeness

Cost, logistics

Sample Research Questions

What are the current voting preferences nationwide?

Which social topics have the greatest impact on voter decisions?

Jaki jest poziom zaufania do instytucji publicznych?

How do voters rate government actions in key areas?

Jaka jest frekwencja deklarowana i jej struktura demograficzna?

Why Fieldstat?

CATI Studio

Our in-house call centre with 100+ CATI stations enables rapid telephone polling on representative samples.

75,500-Member Panel

Our NPB panel supplements CATI with fast, cost-efficient online polling for broader coverage.

Likely Voter Models

We filter declared intent through voting probability models to improve prediction accuracy.

Benefits

  • Representative nationwide samples weighted to Census data
  • Dual CATI + CAWI methodology for maximum accuracy
  • Likely voter models that filter intent from probability
  • Results delivered in 3–5 business days
  • Full methodological transparency on every poll
  • Advanced weighting for age, gender, education, region, and urbanisation
  • Continuous tracking programmes with quarterly or monthly waves
  • Experience in parliamentary, presidential, local, and referendum polling

Applications

Parliamentary and presidential election polls Local election and mayoral polls Referendum and public policy opinion research Political party preference tracking Social attitude and value research Public institution trust and approval measurement

Implementation Process

1

Poll Design

We establish the polling question, sample design, methodology (CATI/CAWI/hybrid), and weighting strategy.

2

Fieldwork

We conduct telephone and/or online interviews on representative samples, monitoring response rates and demographics in real time.

3

Data Weighting

We weight results by demographic structure, apply likely voter models, and adjust for known biases.

4

Results Delivery

You receive poll results with full methodological note, margin of error, and demographic breakdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can you execute a poll?

Standard polls (N=1,000): 3–5 business days. Express polls (N=500): 48 hours. Flash polls on our NPB panel: 24 hours.

How much does a poll cost?

Standard CATI poll (N=1,000): from PLN 15,000. CAWI poll (N=1,000): from PLN 8,000. Hybrid CATI+CAWI: from PLN 18,000.

Do you apply likely voter models?

Yes. We filter declared voting intent through probability models based on past voting behaviour, stated certainty, and political engagement indicators.

Can you do continuous polling/tracking?

Yes. We offer quarterly and monthly political tracking programmes that monitor party preferences, approval ratings, and social attitudes over time.

How accurate are electoral polls in Poland?

Well-designed polls using mixed-mode methodology (CATI + CAWI) with proper weighting typically achieve accuracy within ±2–3 percentage points. Systematic challenges include shy voter effects and late-deciding voters.

What is the difference between a poll and a forecast?

A poll measures current declared preferences. A forecast applies statistical models, historical turnout data, and demographic weighting to predict election outcomes.

What sample size is needed for a national poll?

N=1,000 for ±3.1% margin of error at 95% confidence. Regional breakdowns require N=1,500–2,000.

Industry Sources & Standards

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