The purpose of the Survey Project is to (1) have you begin thinking critically a
The purpose of the Survey Project is to (1) have you begin thinking critically and creatively about factors that determine health, (2) introduce quantitative and qualitative data collection and reporting, and (3) draw conclusions based upon a basic survey question. To do this, you will survey eight (8) adults (18+ years) and record their answers to this single question:
Describe three (3) ‘things’ that would make you healthier.
To complete this assignment, you are to record, from each of the eight individuals:
Quantitative data: gender, age, answers to the question, and
Qualitative data: at least one direct or summarized statement from their response (do not solicit this statement – let yet come naturally)
Note: the word “things” is used purposefully to not lead an individual into thinking of certain categories of factors that affect health. Likewise, “healthy” is purposely not defined so each person is allowed to define it within their own context.
Some people may spend a great deal of time answering this question – and that is a good thing. The “richest data” comes from having a conversation rather than from single word answers. After an individual answers the question, place the answers into three broad thematic categories, such as “exercise”, “sleep”, “healthy eating”, “taking medications”, etc. People will use various words to describe the same variables, so do your best to place them into three different categories or themes. It may be easiest to collect your data in a journal or template format (which ever makes most sense to you). Submit the following information for the Survey Project Assignment:
Submit the following information for the Survey Project Assignment:
1. Qualitative and Aggregate Quantitative Data. After you finish surveying 8 people, combine your data together as follows:
# Female (%) / # male (%)
average age (age range)
List of thematic categories with number of responses for each (note: 8 survey respondents x 3 answers each = 24 total responses) (You will likely have several different thematic categories)
8 direct or summarized statements from your field notes (1 from each person)
2 Written Summary:
Write a 1-page (minimum) double-spaced paper based on your survey project. Summarize your qualitative and quantitative data in written format. Then, think about the information you learned in Week 1 (Lifestyle medicine) compared to the data you discovered. What was your overall reaction to the responses you received? Did any of the individual responses or the responses as a whole surprise you? Did the responses you received fit with the factors related to the biomedical model of health or with non-biomedical factors related to health? Any other comments about the experience?
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