The community attitude self-survey
Abstract
"This pamphlet is primarily designed to assist those who are thinking about launching a community attitude survey. Our purpose is not to answer all the questions about such a survey, but to suggest that certain factors be taken into account during the planning stages. An early consideration of these factors will help you avoid some the oversights and shortcomings that have occurred in earlier surveys. The material we are presenting is based on observation of, and participation in, the planning and carrying out of dozens of community surveys over a period of 12 years. Most of these activities were joint community development efforts in which consultants from state universities were involved. Our suggestions are not in tended to replace more sophisticated research methods. They are meant for the lay citizen who is interested in a practical self-help approach to identifying community issues and problems. ln one sense this is "action research," for the subjects of the inquiry themselves seek the information needed and actually use the data gathered. The term community survey as we use it, will refer to the process of obtaining public opinion or attitudes through a printed questionnaire. lt should not be confused with community study which implies a search for facts and figures. ln many community development efforts a study is an outgrowth of the survey. As a matter of fact, one school of thought maintains that the community attitude survey is severely weakened if it is used to up-date census data, canvass the labor market, or serve as a retail buying habits indicator. These are of enough importance by themselves for special spot checks, samples, or complete studies to be run if warranted."--Introduction.
Rights
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