Public opinion is measured by the use of the following instruments EXCEPT

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which option is NOT an instrument for measuring public opinion. We are looking for the odd one out.

Step 2: Explain the concept Public opinion is the collective views of citizens on issues, policies, or leaders. Instruments for measuring it collect and record what people think. Some tools, such as propaganda, instead try to influence or shape opinion.

Step 3: Go through the options

• A. Attitude scale: A questionnaire tool (e.g., the Likert scale) that measures how strongly people agree or disagree with a statement. It is a measuring instrument.
• B. Election: Voters express their preferences for candidates or parties, which shows the public's opinion of them. It is a measuring instrument.
• C. Opinion poll: A survey of a sample of the population to find out their views. This is the most direct measure of public opinion.
• D. Propaganda: A deliberate, often one-sided effort by a government, party, or group to influence or manipulate people's opinions. It does not measure opinion, so it is the exception.
• E. Referendum: The people vote directly on a specific issue, which shows what they think about it. It is a measuring instrument.

Step 4: Answer Propaganda is used to mold public opinion, not to measure it.

Tip: Remember the difference between measuring tools (polls, elections, referendums, surveys, attitude scales) and shaping tools (propaganda, mass media campaigns, advertising). If a question says "measure" and an option is about persuading, that option is probably the exception.