Stouffer Analyzes Public Opinion on Non-Conformity

The Ford Foundation's Fund for the Republic will publish in April a survey on American attitudes toward political and religious non conformists prepared by Samuel A. Stouffer, Director of the Laboratory of Social Relations.

Stouffer said last night that he had completed the analysis of a summer-long poll of 6,400 Americans, which he called "the most comprehensive ever taken." The results will appear in a book entitled, "Communism, Conformity, and Civil Liberties."

The survey included questions like "Would you buy soap endorsed by a communist radio singer?" in the attempt to find clues to what Stouffer called "very basic opinions." Stouffer said the book shows how attitudes varied according to region, sex, religion, education, and occupation of the persons polled.

$126,000 Fund

One hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars was appropriated by the Fund for the Republic to conduct one to three hour hour long interviews on the basis of a 12-page questionnaire Stouffer prepared. "The most elaborate and modern methods were used to get accurate results," said Stouffer.

"Two agencies, the 'Gallop Poll' Foundation and the National Opinion Research Center of Chicago University, have recently conducted independent surveys all over the country," Stouffer explained. "Their findings not only correspond in general but were often almost identical."

Although "somewhat technical," the book is primarily for real or potential community leaders, the press, and others concerned about America's reaction to what the Fund for the Republic calls "the central problem of our time," he said.

Stouffer began preparation of the survey early last year. An advisory committee of prominent journalists, professional men, and university professors selected the final questionnaire, and polling began last May. Several hundred people were interviewed during trial runs of questionnaires before final field questioning began.

During World War II Stouffer did confidential research on attitudes among American soldiers. The information was instrumental in establishing GI benefits and later was published.