Focus our study
For example, we could ask something like this
What is your feeling on Stephen Harper's plan to remove the troops from Afghanistan in 2011
1. Strongly Agree 2. Somewhat Agree 3. Neutral 4. Somewhat Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree
Harper did not pull the troops out as he originally planned in 2011, instead, the mission has been extended till 2014. This agreement was made on November 12, 2010 along with other NATO members.
Perhaps, a more suitable question would be like:
Do you agree with Stephen Harper decision to extend Canada's mission in Afghanistan to 2014?
1. Strongly Agree 2. Somewhat Agree 3. Neutral 4. Somewhat Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree
I may be going out on a limb here, so don't take this the wrong way but asking a question like that is probably above the understanding of the many. It is not to say the many are incapable of understanding/computing such an question, but that most aren't exactly experts in foriegn policy.
For example, one would need a greater understanding of the conditions in Afganistan and the political/economic reprecusions of leaving.
The question you pose is somewhat vague and might question validity/reliablity. It may just lead to answers triggered on emotional response.
Yea thats fine, I just wanted to focus the study into one main topic, others our survey won't be concise enough to ask people, if they are on various topics JordanFernandez 12:39, 28 January 2011 (PST)
Hi guys,
I agree we should narrow the topic of defense policy to a few smaller areas, however, in concern with issues such as Afghanistan, I don't really know if we should specifically focus in this.. The war in Afghanistan is a topic that is being analyzed in hindsight has had a chance to accumulate a lot of media and popular attention that has created certain biases and opinions that could influence the results. For example, some people may answer questions about Canada's role in this war based on what has been said in the media, or by peers etc...
Essentially we need to look at our goals for the survey. We want to find results that are more likely to be repeated in other cases, and results that will help us analyze and develop Canada's defense policy in general. We can throw in a question about Afghanistan, but I feel this area is too emotionally charged to yield results about overall defense attitudes.
I like some of the broader suggestions for questions - they are more general and applicable to a range of cases. John's earlier question of comparing whether people are more willing to spend money on border defense or peacekeeping operations was interesting.