Has there been a change in American values over the last several decades?
If so, how can we account for this shift?
If not, what factors contributed to the preservation of the American value system?
These broad, and rather ill-defined questions are intentionally vague in order to give you the opportunity to define what you mean by “American values” and to construct your own hypothesis (e.g. teenagers in the United States do not value or respect adults like they did twenty years ago because of the lack of strong role models OR most Americans value their right to vote just as much as they did twenty years ago because the political system continues to thrive and serve the needs of the people). Everyone will base their surveys on this topic; however, it is up to you how you construct your hypothesis and what direction your survey questions take.
Since this is an accelerated class, I am providing you with sample surveys Actions developed by students in the past on the same “American Values” theme. This is your starting point. Look over these surveys and either 1) adopt one of them as your own, making minor changes to the hypothesis and questions as you see fit (keep in mind that none of these surveys are perfect instruments); or 2) use these examples as inspiration to create your own hypothesis and survey. The choice is up to you as to what hypothesis and set of test questions you choose to employ.
Regardless, the first step is to develop a hypothesis, which is a statement that can be tested and debated. Please do not begin developing the survey until a solid hypothesis has been created. Again, there are sample surveys provided that you can use as a basis in developing your own survey (see attachment below).
This assignment begins with your development (or adoption) of a hypothesis developed around the theme of “American Values.” Once you have determined your hypothesis, you will develop (or adopt) a survey instrument intended to test your hypothesis. The requirements for the survey creation are as follows:
Each survey should take no longer than 3 minutes to complete and consist of between 7-10 questions. As you progress, you might want to test your survey out with someone close to you so that it can be timed.
The questions should vary in style so that you may get some experience interpreting different forms of questions.
At least two should be demographic questions (i.e. gender, age, major, political affiliation, etc.)
At least one should require a “yes” or “no” response
At least one should provide multiple options (i.e. A, B, C, D)
At least one should be open ended–a free-style response
Post your hypothesis and all survey questions that you will be using. You are not going to be graded on how strong your hypothesis or survey is in the end. This assignment is an exercise intended to allow you to experience the process of survey development and collection. If you find that there are areas in your survey that need work, that’s okay. It will give you more to talk about in your final research report
