Communism, conformity, and civil liberties study, 1954

This study consists of two samples of respondents: a cross-section sample and a leadership sample. The cross-section sample was drawn by probability methods. The leadership sample was drawn from the 123 cities of 10,000-150,000 people that fell within the randomly selected sampling areas of the American Institute of Public Opinion and the National Opinion Research Center. Leaders were individuals who occupied any of 14 occupational roles defined by the following criteria: the position was easily identifiable, it was of some influence in the community, and it held some relevance to the content of the study. 14 positions were designated and used in all cities. Interviewing was conducted in the summer or 1954. Both samples were asked the same questions. The survey examined reactions of Americans to the danger of a Communist conspiracy inside and outside the United States and to the potential sacrifice of civil liberties because of the attempt by some to thwart the conspiracy. The questionnaire relied heavily on open-ended questions which tapped respondents' general expectations and fears, and only then was the subject of an internal or external Communist threat raised. In addition, questions relating to tolerance, conformity, and civil liberties were raised.