Aahz wrote: > Obviously, you'll need to do some research on proper technique for > obtaining study participants. I'd suggest that getting support from > dance organizers would help; you should definitely do your study over an > extended period of time (to find people who like me are seasonal dancers > or who only show at random times when their schedule permits, which is > also true for me when I'm busy). >
Aahz is correct. On the other hand I am cautious that many who would attempt to delve into important questions will be intimidated by lots of folks with critiques of survey methodology. These days many folks are "experts" on survey science and are quick to dismiss any study that does not meed the most rigorous standards. This may be well-intentioned but inappropriate for the study being critiqued. One of my best instructors once reminded us that survey research occurs at many levels. Your survey might not meet the rigorous standards of a major funded study but it may also be the most rigorous and structured scientific inquiry into the subject area at hand to date. Simply ask your critics how many subjects *they *interviewed and how *they* selected *their *participants. Your survey is likely to be the definitive study on your chosen subject. Those who question your methodology are likely depending on a few late night conversations at dance camps for *their *data. Go for it! You also need to think about your goal(s), whether it's to provide useful > information for the dance community, support your academic career, etc.; > that'll likely influence both how you structure your study and how you > find your participants. > Absolutely. Who will read your report and what will they do with that information? Keep your goal(s) in mind. - Greg McKenzie West Coast, USA
