Exit polling offers an exciting opportunity for social scientists in Oklahoma and elsewhere, providing unique opportunities to collect original data at relatively little overhead cost. Such an approach can generate deeper insights into how voters make decisions on policy initiatives.
The analysis of the exit poll data demonstrates that faculty can work with students to collect high-quality data that allows researchers to understand voter decision-making. Additionally, election exit polling provides a unique teaching opportunity for social scientists looking to blend their research agenda with their teaching responsibilities. Students’ reactions demonstrate the numerous advantages of CBL. Practical engagement led to a deeper understanding of the process of political science research and enhanced the ability to teach challenging concepts in survey design and implementation. A number of students confronted their preconceived notions about Oklahoma voters and tackled their own negative stereotypes. For many, active participation in exit polling led to increased respect for the voting process, and, for a handful, to a desire to pursue a career in civic engagement or public service. In addition to helping us gain valuable insight into Oklahomans’ support for policy initiatives, election exit polling helped students graduate from being consumers of knowledge to being active participants in its production.
