The present study reports questionnaire data obtained from a public opinion survey (N, 1256) conducted in Ottawa, Canada, with regard to opinions concerning the death penalty. The sample was divided into five groups on the basis of their support for or against the death penalty. In terms of Festinger's theory of dissonance, Abolitionists and Near-retentionists were the two most consistent groups. The opinion of these two groups seemed to be based on rational and informed opinion, while other groups seemed to have responded to the questionnaire in a rather haphazard fashion. These findings draw attention to utilization of public opinion polls in formulating public policy.
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