Survey Research

Your assignment is to interview at least ten (10) individuals to gain practical experience in survey research and data collection, and to get a feel for views on race in Jacksonville.

DIRECTIONS

• Interview at least 10 people, preferably strangers, trying to obtain a diverse sample
• Request permission to conduct a short survey about their racial attitudes.
• Explain the purpose: for a Sociology class, practice data collection, obtain information about the racial climate of Jacksonville.
• Each item must be asked, don’t assume anything. Make sure you ask them the questions and record their answers, instead of handing them the sheet and telling them to fill it out.
• Quantify results. If possible, retain individual data (i.e., 60% female, 40% male, 10% think discrimination is ok, etc..).
• WRITE UP: Summarize and explain the results of your survey. Next, were you surprised at your results? Were people ‘open’ to talking about race? How did you feel about collecting the data (you can be honest here)?
• The write up should be a minimum of 500 words with a word count listed.
• Points will be deducted for papers that are sloppily written and for those that are less than the required length.

Racial Perceptions

Demographics:

Gender: Race/Ethnicity:

Age 18-24 25-34 35-44 45+

Questions:

• What is the first word that comes to your mind when I say “white”? “Black”?
• What does racism mean to you personally?
• How often do you hear racially offensive words? (Daily? Times per week? Never?)

4) If you hear such words, would you say anything? Yes_____No_____

If yes, what would you say?

5) Can you describe the difference between prejudice and Yes_____No_____

discrimination? If yes, describe it for me.

6) Do you think some types of discrimination are ok? Yes_____No____

If yes, what types?

7) Do you think the system works equally well for Yes_____No____

everyone? If no, explain.

8) What % of your friends are other races? _____%

9) Do you think racial discrimination is still a Yes_____No_____

serious problem in the United States?

10) How can you, personally, combat racism?