Title: Student searching for participants for a survey on atheists
Post by: Illbethewriter on March 16, 2011, 11:36:21 PM
Post by: Illbethewriter on March 16, 2011, 11:36:21 PM
Hello,
As you can guess I'm new to this! My primary reason for registering with this site is that I'm a 2nd year Cardiff University student studying journalism and the media (as like a sidekick) and I'm doing a preliminary survey for my dissertation next year on how atheists interact with the internet and what they use it for. There have been studies on religious groups for the same kind of thing, so I'm trying to do the same with atheists (as it is a bit closer to home).
The preliminary is a quick 10 question survey with multiple choice answers and I need 5 participants who are a) atheists and b) from the UK. It needs to be completed in 7 days from now (the time will be less by the time you actually recieve the survey). Candidates will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The answers and results of the survey will be used for my university assessment ONLY and not distributed elsewhere. I can assure you that personal details of the survey will be completely confidential (otherwise I'll get kicked out of uni if it breaches your privacy rights).
It is likely that I may return to participants of this survey for my actual dissertation research at the end of this year, and if you fancy taking part in an interview over Skype then that'd be pretty awesome too!
So yeah just comment this post with "I'd be interested" or PM me or email me at sherihall@btinternet.com
Thankyou ever so much, and I'm sure I'll see you around the forums!
As you can guess I'm new to this! My primary reason for registering with this site is that I'm a 2nd year Cardiff University student studying journalism and the media (as like a sidekick) and I'm doing a preliminary survey for my dissertation next year on how atheists interact with the internet and what they use it for. There have been studies on religious groups for the same kind of thing, so I'm trying to do the same with atheists (as it is a bit closer to home).
The preliminary is a quick 10 question survey with multiple choice answers and I need 5 participants who are a) atheists and b) from the UK. It needs to be completed in 7 days from now (the time will be less by the time you actually recieve the survey). Candidates will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The answers and results of the survey will be used for my university assessment ONLY and not distributed elsewhere. I can assure you that personal details of the survey will be completely confidential (otherwise I'll get kicked out of uni if it breaches your privacy rights).
It is likely that I may return to participants of this survey for my actual dissertation research at the end of this year, and if you fancy taking part in an interview over Skype then that'd be pretty awesome too!
So yeah just comment this post with "I'd be interested" or PM me or email me at sherihall@btinternet.com
Thankyou ever so much, and I'm sure I'll see you around the forums!
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Will on March 17, 2011, 08:28:55 AM
Post by: Will on March 17, 2011, 08:28:55 AM
Next time a heads up to a member of the moderation staff would be appreciated. This doesn't seem to be spam, but it just seems like a polite thing to do in the future.
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Illbethewriter on March 17, 2011, 11:18:40 PM
Post by: Illbethewriter on March 17, 2011, 11:18:40 PM
Oh.. okay - sorry! I just thought it would interest some members and that they may be interested in getting involved!
It's only 10 questions and I only have one confirmed participant so far - so any contributors would be much appreciated.
It's only 10 questions and I only have one confirmed participant so far - so any contributors would be much appreciated.
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Whitney on March 18, 2011, 12:16:58 AM
Post by: Whitney on March 18, 2011, 12:16:58 AM
Quote from: "Illbethewriter"Oh.. okay - sorry! I just thought it would interest some members and that they may be interested in getting involved!
It's only 10 questions and I only have one confirmed participant so far - so any contributors would be much appreciated.
No offense, but it is probably safe to assume that most people don't want you to know their email address.
Have you considered using an online survey form?
has one (can set it up through google docs) but there is also http://www.surveymonkey.com/ (http://www.surveymonkey.com/)
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Illbethewriter on March 18, 2011, 12:52:18 AM
Post by: Illbethewriter on March 18, 2011, 12:52:18 AM
QuoteNo offense, but it is probably safe to assume that most people don't want you to know their email address.
Have you considered using an online survey form? :D
Oh really? I never thought of that! That's really helpful actually! As you can see it's not very mature in its progress but I was only given a week to do this and you'll be glad to know it's only worth 10% of this particular module (thank fuck because it's probably going to be shit initially), but it could prove of particular use for my actual dissertation next year - when I'll be more clued up on everything, from ethics to organisation!
I will most certainly use one of those, though! It should be ready by Sunday, so I assume it's okay to just.. link it on here when I'm done?
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Whitney on March 18, 2011, 01:13:47 AM
Post by: Whitney on March 18, 2011, 01:13:47 AM
Quote from: "Illbethewriter"link it on here when I'm done?
yes, please do.
btw, pm me the questions and I'll answer them.
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Tank on March 18, 2011, 04:46:46 PM
Post by: Tank on March 18, 2011, 04:46:46 PM
Will you be stopping around on the forum after you've done and will those that participate get to see the results?
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Illbethewriter on March 20, 2011, 12:52:39 PM
Post by: Illbethewriter on March 20, 2011, 12:52:39 PM
Quote from: "Tank"Will you be stopping around on the forum after you've done and will those that participate get to see the results?
Yes ofcourse.
The surveys will be ready later on today.
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Illbethewriter on March 20, 2011, 11:40:15 PM
Post by: Illbethewriter on March 20, 2011, 11:40:15 PM
http://www.kwiksurveys.com/online-surve ... I_56fbf716 (http://www.kwiksurveys.com/online-survey.php?surveyID=INIHGI_56fbf716)
Here's my survey It's done online so completely anonymous. The 'terms and conditions', as it were, are in the introduction including a specific definition of to what extent you should consider yourself an atheist in order to take part (as I know it's a contested term, and I myself consider to be an atheist in the sense that I think the likelihood of God is very improbable) - so don't be put off if you disagree with a certain disbelief in God.
Here's my survey
It's done online so completely anonymous. The 'terms and conditions', as it were, are in the introduction including a specific definition of to what extent you should consider yourself an atheist in order to take part (as I know it's a contested term, and I myself consider to be an atheist in the sense that I think the likelihood of God is very improbable) - so don't be put off if you disagree with a certain disbelief in God.
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Will on March 21, 2011, 12:01:25 AM
Post by: Will on March 21, 2011, 12:01:25 AM
Done! Just fyi, I'm in the United States, which wasn't a location option. Is this survey for folks from across the pond?
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: McQ on March 21, 2011, 03:21:45 AM
Post by: McQ on March 21, 2011, 03:21:45 AM
Didn't participate, since I don't fall into the demographic in the survey. Live in the U.S.
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Whitney on March 21, 2011, 03:55:22 AM
Post by: Whitney on March 21, 2011, 03:55:22 AM
Quote from: "McQ"Didn't participate, since I don't fall into the demographic in the survey. Live in the U.S.ditto
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: The Magic Pudding on March 21, 2011, 04:55:21 AM
Post by: The Magic Pudding on March 21, 2011, 04:55:21 AM
Quote from: "McQ"Didn't participate, since I don't fall into the demographic in the survey. Live in the U.S.
I did, it didn't seem to mind me missing that question.
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: McQ on March 21, 2011, 05:03:25 AM
Post by: McQ on March 21, 2011, 05:03:25 AM
I think that those outside of the demographic will just throw the survey off a bit. But only if it's strictly weighted for those countries listed.
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Tank on March 21, 2011, 08:44:50 AM
Post by: Tank on March 21, 2011, 08:44:50 AM
Done.
I loved the way everybody 51+ is 'old enough not to differentiate anymore' I.E. just plain old
I loved the way everybody 51+ is 'old enough not to differentiate anymore' I.E. just plain old
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Illbethewriter on March 21, 2011, 03:23:06 PM
Post by: Illbethewriter on March 21, 2011, 03:23:06 PM
Quote from: "Tank"Done.
I loved the way everybody 51+ is 'old enough not to differentiate anymore' I.E. just plain old
LOL it's because I've looked at studies and there are significantly less 'older' people who actually use the internet.
The survey is meant to be for those in the UK, but as this isn't my actual dissertation I'm sure I can avoid demographics slightly. When I do my actual research proposal pilot study participants will have to be residing in the UK.
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Whitney on March 21, 2011, 03:47:03 PM
Post by: Whitney on March 21, 2011, 03:47:03 PM
Quote from: "Illbethewriter"LOL it's because I've looked at studies and there are significantly less 'older' people who actually use the internet.
Most people my parents age use the internet and they are in their 60s and 70s. So, the studies you looked at may be a bit out of date. The only reason the elderly have not used the internet as much as the other age groups is that they don't want to expend energy learning how to use technology that wasn't around during their working years (it apparently gets hard to learn new things)...we are getting really close to a time where no one will be left (in developed countries) who didn't have to use a computer on a daily basis.
So, you might want to change it to 80+
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Illbethewriter on March 21, 2011, 04:05:20 PM
Post by: Illbethewriter on March 21, 2011, 04:05:20 PM
[/quote]
Most people my parents age use the internet and they are in their 60s and 70s. So, the studies you looked at may be a bit out of date. The only reason the elderly have not used the internet as much as the other age groups is that they don't want to expend energy learning how to use technology that wasn't around during their working years (it apparently gets hard to learn new things)...we are getting really close to a time where no one will be left (in developed countries) who didn't have to use a computer on a daily basis.
So, you might want to change it to 80+[/quote]
I was just talking to my boyfriend about this on the phone.
The studies I looked at were from like 2000-2002, but I agree and it's something I intend to write up in my report (basically I'll get marks for acknowledging where it can be improved etc.). Especially seeing as there are a cluster of people at the older end of the spectrum who have participated, so this is quite a clear indication of 'older' people becoming more computer literate.
I am learning
Most people my parents age use the internet and they are in their 60s and 70s. So, the studies you looked at may be a bit out of date. The only reason the elderly have not used the internet as much as the other age groups is that they don't want to expend energy learning how to use technology that wasn't around during their working years (it apparently gets hard to learn new things)...we are getting really close to a time where no one will be left (in developed countries) who didn't have to use a computer on a daily basis.
So, you might want to change it to 80+[/quote]
I was just talking to my boyfriend about this on the phone.
The studies I looked at were from like 2000-2002, but I agree and it's something I intend to write up in my report (basically I'll get marks for acknowledging where it can be improved etc.). Especially seeing as there are a cluster of people at the older end of the spectrum who have participated, so this is quite a clear indication of 'older' people becoming more computer literate.
I am learning
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Tank on March 21, 2011, 05:32:42 PM
Post by: Tank on March 21, 2011, 05:32:42 PM
Quote from: "Illbethewriter"QuoteMost people my parents age use the internet and they are in their 60s and 70s. So, the studies you looked at may be a bit out of date. The only reason the elderly have not used the internet as much as the other age groups is that they don't want to expend energy learning how to use technology that wasn't around during their working years (it apparently gets hard to learn new things)...we are getting really close to a time where no one will be left (in developed countries) who didn't have to use a computer on a daily basis.
So, you might want to change it to 80+
I was just talking to my boyfriend about this on the phone.
The studies I looked at were from like 2000-2002, but I agree and it's something I intend to write up in my report (basically I'll get marks for acknowledging where it can be improved etc.). Especially seeing as there are a cluster of people at the older end of the spectrum who have participated, so this is quite a clear indication of 'older' people becoming more computer literate.
I am learning
The people who were 50+ in 2000 are now 60+ so and a lot of families now have Internet access that did not 10 years ago. Rather than go by age it is much safer to go by the year a person was born. I was born in late '59 and I was the first year that was allowed to use calculators while also being taught how to use a slide rule. I went on to be an electronics engineer and computers have been integral part of my life. There are plenty of people of my age and on to there 60s who regularly frequent the atheist forums I do.
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: terranus on March 23, 2011, 09:27:54 PM
Post by: terranus on March 23, 2011, 09:27:54 PM
No one I know over the age of 65 uses the internet, and considering I live in the "retirement state", that's something. My stepgrandfather is 80, and he plays solitaire and other simple games on the computer, but thats it. He has no clue how to get on the internet. The oldest person I know who uses the internet is my Dad, and he's 64.
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Illbethewriter on March 23, 2011, 10:31:59 PM
Post by: Illbethewriter on March 23, 2011, 10:31:59 PM
Quote from: "terranus"No one I know over the age of 65 uses the internet, and considering I live in the "retirement state", that's something. My stepgrandfather is 80, and he plays solitaire and other simple games on the computer, but thats it. He has no clue how to get on the internet. The oldest person I know who uses the internet is my Dad, and he's 64.
I know right? My Mum can only play solitaire. My Granddad before he died at 70 could do most basic things, like ordering stuff and installing things, albeit at a very slow pace. We bought my Grandma a netbook and she's never even picked it up! She just refuses to use new technologies.
At least when I'm older, fatter and just plain decrepid I know I can always just get hooked on World of Warcraft like all my friends - I hope I die young.
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Melmoth on March 23, 2011, 11:00:20 PM
Post by: Melmoth on March 23, 2011, 11:00:20 PM
Done it.
My mother can barely use the internet and she's 51. She doesn't understand what a hard drive is or how files work and just stores everything in a big scrambled heap on her desktop. Just too irritable and impatient to learn, I think.
My mother can barely use the internet and she's 51. She doesn't understand what a hard drive is or how files work and just stores everything in a big scrambled heap on her desktop. Just too irritable and impatient to learn, I think.
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Tank on March 24, 2011, 08:52:32 AM
Post by: Tank on March 24, 2011, 08:52:32 AM
Quote from: "Melmoth"Done it.My wife and I are both 51 and can remember the days when computers did what you f***ing told them to! Not what the f***ing programmer thinks you want it to do!!!!
My mother can barely use the internet and she's 51. She doesn't understand what a hard drive is or how files work and just stores everything in a big scrambled heap on her desktop. Just too irritable and impatient to learn, I think.
Every new version of Microsoft software gets dumbed down more and more and more to the point where they are now next to f***ing useless if you want to use them in a way Microsoft has not considered! And their online apps are mind-numbingly shite! It's almost as if the programmers are bored and taking the piss!
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: Melmoth on March 24, 2011, 12:44:23 PM
Post by: Melmoth on March 24, 2011, 12:44:23 PM
Quote from: "Tank"Every new version of Microsoft software gets dumbed down more and more and more to the point where they are now next to f***ing useless if you want to use them in a way Microsoft has not considered! And their online apps are mind-numbingly shite! It's almost as if the programmers are bored and taking the piss!
I quite like Windows 7. It's completely useless and shite, yeah - I'm with '98 all the way on that - but it's so shiny. Everything on my screen looks edible.
Title: Re: Student searching for participants for a survey on athei
Post by: terranus on April 02, 2011, 02:42:07 AM
Post by: terranus on April 02, 2011, 02:42:07 AM
Say what you want about Windows 7 being dumbed down, but I've had it for over 2 years now with NO stability problems whatsoever. I mean NO unexpected system errors, no freeze-ups/crashes, no blue screens, no nothing. Have had some problems with updating Adobe Flash Player and Java. For some reason whenever I apply updates to one or the other, neither one will work anymore until I completely uninstall and reinstall both. Pretty sure this is program error, and unrelated to Windows 7. But maybe I'm wrong....in which case I've experienced only ONE major issue with Windows 7 over the past 2 years.