Final answer:
A straw poll is an informal poll that collects opinions from a non-random population or group, while an exit poll is a method of collecting data on how people voted in an election. Exit polls are considered more reliable as they use a more rigorous sampling methodology.
Step-by-step explanation:
A straw poll and an exit poll are both methods used to collect public opinion data, particularly related to elections. However, there are some key differences between the two.
A straw poll is an informal poll that collects opinions from a non-random population or group. It is often conducted by newspapers or on social media platforms as a way to gauge public sentiment on a specific topic. Straw polls are not meant to be scientific or representative of the overall population. They provide a general idea of what a specific population thinks, but they are not statistically reliable.
On the other hand, an exit poll is a method of collecting data on how people voted in an election. It is conducted at polling places on Election Day and asks voters how they cast their ballots as they leave the polls. Exit polls aim to provide early information about which candidate is ahead. Unlike straw polls, exit polls are typically conducted by professional polling organizations and use a more rigorous sampling methodology to ensure a representative and random sample of voters. Exit polls are considered more reliable and are used to analyze voting patterns and trends.