What does the phrase 'Garbage in, garbage out' refer to in the context of exit polls?

The phrase 'Garbage in, garbage out' in the context of exit polls emphasizes the critical importance of data quality in determining the accuracy of projections derived from that data. It asserts that if the data collected through the exit polls is flawed—whether due to improper methodology, biased sampling, or inaccuracies in responses—the outcomes or projections made based on that data will also be flawed.

This concept illustrates that high-quality data collection processes are essential for producing reliable and valid results. Without ensuring that the data is accurately and responsibly gathered, any interpretations or predictions stemming from that data will likely misrepresent the electorate's true sentiments or behaviors. Therefore, it underscores the need for rigor in the polling process, which can affect the credibility of the findings and their subsequent use in understanding voter behavior and electoral outcomes.