Bob McCarty Writes

Results from a national survey conducted last night among 1,000 self-reported Democrats, Republicans and independents reveal that perceptions of GOP vice presidential pick Sarah Palin improved after viewing her acceptance speech.

The study was conducted by HCD Research and the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion to obtain Americans’ perceptions of the speech given by Palin at the Republican National Convention earlier tonight.

Among the study findings:

• After viewing Palin’s speech, a greater number of respondents across all parties believe that selecting Governor Sarah Palin for vice president will help John McCain’s campaign. Republicans were especially positive about the implications of the pick, with nearly three-quarters reporting that nomination will “definitely help” his campaign. After viewing the speech, 70 percent Republicans indicated that they will “definitely” vote for the McCain-Palin ticket after viewing Palin’s speech.

• There is a positive change in how independents anticipated voting in the Presidential election after viewing Palin’s speech, with a 9 percent increase among independents indicating that they will probably or definitely vote for the McCain-Palin ticket after watching the speech.

• Palin’s speech proved to be equally effective in increasing support among men and women. Among the independents who watched the speech, respondents who reported that they will “probably” or “definitely” vote for McCain increased by 10 percent across both genders, around 38 percent of female independents and 36 percent of their male counterparts.

The participants were asked pre- and post-viewing questions. The participants’ emotions were also measured using the Ayer Emotion Battery.  To view detailed results of the study go to MediaCurves.com.