Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.The NOP National Political Surveys were designed principally to ascertain public opinion on political parties, leaders and government, and to record voting intention. In addition, the majority of the surveys included data of topical interest and of social importance.

Main Topics:The surveys vary, but topics covered over time include: voting intention; satisfaction with: the Government, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the political system and institutions; opinions on problems facing Government; the political parties; voting and electoral behaviour; foreign affairs and defence; economic and industrial affairs; social issues (e.g. welfare, education, health, housing, environment); law, crime and justice; religious beliefs; role of women; race relations; attitudes to pornography, birth control, family planning, marriage, abortion, drugs, gambling, leisure; special issues and events. Please note that not every topic is covered in all surveys. Classification details include: constituency, age and sex, terminal education age, marital status, social class, trade union membership and employment status.

Two-stage stratified, area cluster sample. For details see the National Opinion Polls publication Political, social and economic review, 30, April 1981.

Opinion polls