We first explored how mass media affects public opinion through degree or amount of coverage, placement of stories, and perspectives in photographs. We then addressed the terms "intensity, and direction" as they relate to polling ,and noted how issues of high intensity get public attention. Next,we addressed polling. I discussed how polls to be accurate must be scientific and based on a random sample, i.e a sample that is not too big or too small. We then studied 'push polls" and how the wording and order of poll questions can impact the poll's conclusions.