As part of the paper I've been working on since the beginning of the semester, my most recent data gathering endeavor also has been the most troubling.
I ran a survey (and am continuing to run it as while I have enough of a sample size to run a Z test, I want n≥300).
The survey question was simple. Possibly too simple (note I know the deal about the misconception regarding the 1980's mention - but put it in there for simplification purposes as that's what most people think of as the beginning of such programs with Florida's adopton)
I intentionally gave only 2 possible answers (otherwise central tendency becomes a problem) So far the results are litearlly split down the middle with a slight leaning towards "Detrimental". I had a few people add an exclamation after the word "Detrimental" ("DETRIMENTAL!), and on the flip side I had one response saying, "Beneficial, and the permit in my wallet is proof that I fully believe that." - which I smiled at. Also one person put, "EXTREMELY DETRIMENTAL!"
I hope as the responses keep coming I'll see a shift, but so far it's not looking good. No wonder guns and CWPs are so controversial. It seems society is split down the middle.
We can interpret that two ways. 1) We're 50% away from losing entirely. or 2) We're not really losing, but there's much work to be done to win.
Anyways, I thought I'd let you guys know about the results so far. It bothered me.
I ran a survey (and am continuing to run it as while I have enough of a sample size to run a Z test, I want n≥300).
The survey question was simple. Possibly too simple (note I know the deal about the misconception regarding the 1980's mention - but put it in there for simplification purposes as that's what most people think of as the beginning of such programs with Florida's adopton)
Beginning in the 1980's various states including Florida began enacting concealed weapon/handgun permits to allow private citizens the ability to protect themselves. Thusfar, these programs have been restricted to citizens who have no criminal record or any documented significant mental health issues. Supporters argue that these programs have led to a decrease in crime through deterring criminals who fear the possibility that their victim might be armed. Critics argue that these programs could potentially produce a "wild west" society and that private citizens are not sufficiently trained in the lawful and proper usage of such weapons. In your own opinion, do you believe that concealed weapon programs are beneficial to society or detrimental to society? Please just provide a one word response: "Beneficial" or "Detrimental".
I intentionally gave only 2 possible answers (otherwise central tendency becomes a problem) So far the results are litearlly split down the middle with a slight leaning towards "Detrimental". I had a few people add an exclamation after the word "Detrimental" ("DETRIMENTAL!), and on the flip side I had one response saying, "Beneficial, and the permit in my wallet is proof that I fully believe that." - which I smiled at. Also one person put, "EXTREMELY DETRIMENTAL!"
I hope as the responses keep coming I'll see a shift, but so far it's not looking good. No wonder guns and CWPs are so controversial. It seems society is split down the middle.
We can interpret that two ways. 1) We're 50% away from losing entirely. or 2) We're not really losing, but there's much work to be done to win.
Anyways, I thought I'd let you guys know about the results so far. It bothered me.