One of our regular readers, Kyle, is conducting a survey about knitters who happen to be men. Let’s face it: they are outnumbered. Kyle wants to learn more about the men who knit and about women’s attitudes toward male knitters. So, the survey is open to both genders. If you are interested, please click the survey link and join in!
I filled out the survey because I am interested in the topic, but readers should be aware that it seems to be gathering more info than simply men and knitting.I don’t know what income, education level, and at least 4 detailed questions about employment have to do with men & knitting. I was rather off-put by the personal nature of many of the questions and regretted having started the survey. Kyle, please feel free to respond and tell me more about your project and what you are looking for. Perhaps if people know why such personal info is needed, they would be more likely to participate and if participating, answer all questions.
Just my 2 cents.
Comment by Turtleknits — February 26, 2009 @ 9:03 am
Hi There – first, THANK YOU for participating! Turtleknits – here’s a response to your questions and concerns:
The survey question(s) you mention are not required – but the majority of people are giving info about their fields of work, schooling and income – this info will help during analysis to help determine exactly who it is that is knitting in America – especially during a time when it seems expendable income is dwindling… and of course, I totally understand if someone doesn’t want to answer a question like, for example, regarding their income – which is why there’s an option to decline. This type of question also can be left “blank” – so feel free to do that as well – there are a few less “prodding” questions that are required, but you’ll find that all the questions about education, income, etc. are quite standard for a survey of a populus. The more complete surveys we receive, the more accurate the sample will become – and this, in turn, will help develop a more complex report regarding knitters in general in America. All this being said, if you’re at all uncomfortable answering any of the questions, just skip them (unless they’re required) – and remember, there are literally thousands of respondants – so all the responses just become a part of a data pool – especially with statistical questions such as income or education level. The short answer/survey questions are more individualized, and we plan to highlight some of the participants using that information, but I would not relate the income/education/personal info with that person… the closest I might go is to give a name and state of residence or possibly just the gender and state.
The questions are based on research from the following book:
Rea, Louis M. Designing and Conducting Survey Research: A Comprehensive Guide.
San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2005
as well as the survey service I am utilizing: http://www.surveymonkey.com
I hope this is helpful information – if there are ANY other questions please do not hesitate to let me know by emailing me at knittingmen@yahoo.com or through the links on the survey site. I really appreciate it and know that the responses we are getting are quite helpful!
Thanks again!
Kyle Kunnecke
http://www.knittingmeninamerica.com
http://www.kylewilliam.com
Comment by Kyle Kunnecke — February 26, 2009 @ 12:30 pm
I took the survey.
Comment by Jaclyn Bailey — February 26, 2009 @ 2:33 pm
Thanks for the clarification that both men and women can take the survey. I saw it on QueerJoe’s blog and didn’t take it because I misunderstood.
Comment by twinsetellen — February 26, 2009 @ 7:57 pm