[MammaGator]

I am a Doctoral student trying to earn my PhD in marriage and family counseling. The last step is to complete my Dissertation and that's where I need help. I need MANY couples, age 65 years and older who would be willing to complete my surveys. These would not take more than about 25-30 minutes (AT THE MOST). I do not need names or any confidential information. The surveys simply ask about your attitudes and opinions about seeking psychological services. I'm not ready to actually give out the surveys yet. It will be after the first of the year. I'm putting out feelers now to see if I can drum up any interest. I live in Cocoa Beach, and if need be, I'd be happy to travel to The Villages and bring my surveys and answer any questions.

[graciegirl]

Welcome to the forum.

Good luck on your research. We have a plethora of information housed in all of us seniors who live in The Villages. AND some long term marriages and some multiple marriages and some no marriages at all.

However........Don't you think that your information will be skewed by the very act of asking for volunteers who know that one of the points you are researching has to do with how people feel about seeking psychological help?

It seems that the folks who are comfortable with the area of psychology would be more apt to volunteer. (???????) I am surprised that your advisors haven't pointed that out. It seems that your data base would be cleaner if you didn't disclose that part of the study immediately.

Where are you studying? What school?

What is the precise name of your study?

Always interested in human behavior,

GG

[paulandjean]

Please give the guy a break.

[jblum8156]

What makes you think it's a guy?

[billethkid]

seeking information of any kind would be the first step in the process to decide whether or not.
How do we know you are not the famous Wikileaker.

btk

[bkcunningham1]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Welcome to the forum.

Good luck on your research. We have a plethora of information housed in all of us seniors who live in The Villages. AND some long term marriages and some multiple marriages and some no marriages at all.

However........Don't you think that your information will be skewed by the very act of asking for volunteers who know that one of the points you are researching has to do with how people feel about seeking psychological help?

It seems that the folks who are comfortable with the area of psychology would be more apt to volunteer. (???????) I am surprised that your advisors haven't pointed that out. It seems that your data base would be cleaner if you didn't disclose that part of the study immediately.

Where are you studying? What school?

What is the precise name of your study?

Always interested in human behavior,

GG

Very good question Gracie. You made my brain wake-up early this morning.

I think it comes down to the type of sampling that is being collected. In qualitative research, which is what I assume this paper is, data samples are usually not collected through random selection but rather "purposive reasoning", which is to say they are chosen for how well they typify the characteristics of a certain class.

It would be skewed if the paper didn't disclose the method or if the method of collecting data was "random selection."

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by paulandjean

Please give the guy a break.

I know it sounded pretty....aggressive, but I truly am interested and those questions were valid and honest of me. I didn't really mean to be unkind.

If someone were to say...walk into a room and ask those questions at a party or gathering, we would want to know more, at least I would.

bk, thank you for adding important info.

Now..Young lady, where are you studying??

Cause I really want to know.

I am nosy and PLUS I had a subscription to Psychology Today for years.

[graciegirl]

I didn't mean to run you off. That is how I am sometimes, all questions and no manners. Please come back.

[Pturner]

Random thoughts:

Welcome MammaGator! Congratulations on being so close to earning a PhD. That is quite an accomplishment.


"Give the guy a break": The assumption that the poster was a guy surprised me. I've heard of Boy George but never a boy Mamma. I therefore made the opposite assumption and of course, could be wrong.

I think Gracie's questions were germane . She asked: "Where are you studying? What school? What is the precise name of your study?" MammaGator asked for 25-30 minutes to ask personal questions for educational research. Any thinking person would want to know what Gracie asked before responding to the survey. It almost seems that it was those who considered GG's questions hostile who were disrespectful to MG. Any credible researcher would consider the questions legitimate and would be happy to respond.

[MammaGator]

And yes Gracie's were appropriat and so were your thoughts.

I have been at work all day and unable to respond. About to go into session so I only have a few minutes.

No, I am not from Wikipedia.

I am studying at Barry University in Orlando. My PhD is in counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family.

The name of my study (at this time) is Examining the attitudes of older adults towards seeking psychological services. And it is quantitative, not qualitative, although I know a qualitative study would do this topic more justice.

I don't believe revealing the nature of my study will skew the results. No secret squirrels here....it is what it is.

Thank you for all your interest...I will be happy to answer any and all questions, however, I have to get back to work now and I won't log back in until later this evening.

MammaGator

[2BNTV]

QUOTE=Pturner;312631]Random thoughts:

MammaGator! Congratulations on being so close to earning a PhD. That is quite an accomplishment.
"I think Gracie's questions were germane . She asked: "Where are you studying? What school? What is the precise name of your study?" MammaGator asked for 25-30 minutes to ask personal questions for educational research. Any thinking person would want to know what Gracie asked before responding to the survey. It almost seems that it was those who considered GG's questions hostile who were disrespectful to MG. Any credible researcher would consider the questions legitimate and would be happy to respond.[/QUOTE]

mammagator to TOTV.
1. I agree with Pturner post.
2. I assumed mammagator was a woman.

Mammagator response is what I would expect from someone who is getting a PHD in psycology. It sounds legitimate.

[bkcunningham1]

Originally Posted by MammaGator

And yes Gracie's were appropriat and so were your thoughts.

I have been at work all day and unable to respond. About to go into session so I only have a few minutes.

No, I am not from Wikipedia.

I am studying at Barry University in Orlando. My PhD is in counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family.

The name of my study (at this time) is Examining the attitudes of older adults towards seeking psychological services. And it is quantitative, not qualitative, although I know a qualitative study would do this topic more justice.

I don't believe revealing the nature of my study will skew the results. No secret squirrels here....it is what it is.

Thank you for all your interest...I will be happy to answer any and all questions, however, I have to get back to work now and I won't log back in until later this evening.

MammaGator

Would you considered changing your study to: Examining the Attitudes of Older Adults towards Being Asked to Repsond to a Study via a New Poster on an Internet Forum?

[another Linda]

Ah, Mamma, I feel for you. A few words of advice from someone who has been there.
1. Your dissertation will not go as planned no matter how well planned it is.
2. The object is to show your committee that you can handle the theory and stats; you don't necessarily need to "find" anything.
3. Ask your nearest and dearest to shoot you if you ever express the most remote interest in another PhD.

Still jaded after all these years!

[MammaGator]

It seems my original post generated quite the stirring among some members of your community.....

I appreciate all the advice, suggestions, and kudos. And yes, Linda, I have asked those near and dear to me to shoot me more than once. My dedication will read.....I didn't know I had to sacrifice my marriage and family to become a marriage and family therapist.....

In any event, if someone were truly interested in assisting me.....I could sure use the help....perhaps an invite to a gathering where folks would be receptive to my "pitch" and request for help???? Anyone????

As I indicated, it wouldn't be until after the first of the year. I was hoping to find a gate keeper to let me in, when I am able to start collecting my data. Lord willing and the creeks don't rise......as my Mamma used to say.

MammaGator

[another Linda]

I'm not yet 65 but will help if I can. We'll be in TV Feb and March.