* Electoral preferences, how to understand them correctly

Researches of election preferences are probably the most monitored products of agencies for public opinion research. The information, which returns via media back to the public, not only describes social reality, but sometimes also co-creates this reality. Results of the researches as such can affect public attitudes. For this reason, among others, we should understand what information the researches of election preferences provide and how to read them correctly. These researches differ in their aims, methods and timing. The following article tries to provide at least a rough outline of all these dimensions.