We present spectropolarimetric observations of a sample of three quasa
rs selected because of their very different broad-band polarization pr
operties. All of the objects in the sample show frequency-dependent po
larization degree (FDP), and two of them also show frequency-dependent
polarization position angle (FDPA). We have not detected polarization
in the spectral emission lines in any object of the sample, although
the possibility exists that the iron blends in CTA 102 may be polarize
d. Our observations show important differences between the three objec
ts. While 3C 273 has been previously discussed in terms of a multiple
synchrotron source model, a conclusion supported by our results, this
seems not to be the case for 3C 345. We examine a number of processes
capable of generating the observed FDP and FDPA of this object. A comb
ination of a nonthermal source and scattering from dust or gas in the
local interstellar medium can explain our observations, although some
restrictions must be imposed to avoid polarization of the spectral emi
ssion lines. The quasar CTA 102 shows a very complex wavelength-depend
ent polarization, which may be related to the iron blends in the spect
rum. We also present a statistical test developed by us to examine the
possible polarization of the lines.