Knife Attitude Survey for College Class...Ideas, please!

Hi Mickey! I figured you'd like to know both your aluminum trainers will be on display! Yep, I'm borrowing some of Tom Marker's knives. I hope this thing goes well. I've certainly gotten a lot of help here.

BTW, I just got my pictures from the Ohio Valley Knife Show developed, and the students will get to see you putting Tom in pain!

I hope that's okay. I don't think it will bias the students or anything. :p

Karl
 
Safety guy - I am looking forward to seeing what comes out of this, and my only thoughts were:
1. Something about the color of a knife or blade affecting the respondents' opinions.
2. Just hammering on the "is it a tool or a weapon" idea.

Good luck with the presentation.
Stay safe - Gordon
 
I'd be really curious about the responses to something like "It is inappropriate for women to carry knives"
 
Originally posted by KAL110
2. Just hammering on the "is it a tool or a weapon" idea.
Click to expand...

While we are on this topic, One might be inclined to state that a knife is only a tool and never a weapon. I have to say "DON'T DO THAT!"

Yes, everyone knows that any knife can be a weapon, but, if you say it not a weapon people go "Yeah, right," think that you are full of BS and do the opposite of what you say. Worst, you can deliberately, and obviously, avoid the weapons view in which you won't convince the brain-dead and those who think will see you as biased - and lying. It is like the man who does acid, he can say it is to "expand his mind" but we all know he just likes getting high.

Like when I told a superior of mind that my knife was "a tool, comes in handy from time to time," he said "A tool, right, don't bring it to work." Another time, I said carrying a knife was good because "you never know when you will need to cut something." One guy in the crowd replied "Or someone."

If you ignore the side people already know, even if it is wrong and misguided, You're not doing fair by them and never really teaching them anything. The same with people hating lawyers and newsmen. They don't care about the "whole truth" they what you to believe in "Their truth." Don't be like that.
 
To clarify my earlier post: Yes, a knife can be weapon, but so can a baseball bat. Would you rather be trapped on an airplane where only the terrorist had knives, or would you want some knife carrying LEO's and Marines with you?

Those are the types of issues to raise.
 
Clint Simpson - A good point, I was a litlle unclear I guess. The idea was to go to perceptions of the individual and one has to be careful not to bias them, let alone look like you are trying to pull the wool over their eyes. Sorry if it sounded that way, I just have seen such a huge disparity of reactions to knives in the day to day routine that I was curious if it could be quantified.

The color point was driven by the repeated comments that the black blades looked "meaner" or something, but when you try to explain it is Teflon and prevents buildup on the blade from the demon boxes you get just what you related "yeah right". Pull the silver leaf bladed green handled one and it is like it is invisible...go figure.

On the topic of blade carrying LEO's you might be surprised. Someone (and I thought it was Safety Guy) posted some data on this and it was not even 50% (from memory here..I could be wrong)but it is what I see happening in some elements of patrol. Seems like the fancy folder pouch is being replaced by another mag. maybe...dunno

Anyway Karl I am glad you got to do this, you would not get out of the car park here in the PRC. Stay safe-Gordon
 
Originally posted by KAL110
Clint Simpson - A good point, I was a litlle unclear I guess. The idea was to go to perceptions of the individual and one has to be careful not to bias them, let alone look like you are trying to pull the wool over their eyes. Sorry if it sounded that way,
Click to expand...

Not at all. It is simply an easy trap one can talk oneself into, by mistake. You only don't realize it until your crediblity is down the toilet.
 
No, I wasn't going to try any "wool pulling." I had originally planned to have my Fairbairn-Sykes and Matriarch there to represent dedicated "weapon" knives. That idea was nixed, so I will just have pictures. I will also address the "weapons" aspect in the first minute of my talk, and will make NO apologies about regarding weapons as useful "tools" in their own right. I will say that the knives on the tables are there as "tools," although, like a Maglite, a cane, or a pencil, they could be used as weapons, too.

However, that out of the way, the main presentation will emphasize "knives as tools," because, even on the field of battle, or when utilized by police, knives are almost always used as tools, not as weapons. I will try to make the presentation as positive as possible.

But no wool pulling...:)

Karl
 
Originally posted by Clint Simpson


While we are on this topic, One might be inclined to state that a knife is only a tool and never a weapon. I have to say "DON'T DO THAT!"
Click to expand...

There are a lot of ignorant people out there who are just so close-minded about knife carrying people. People who used to ask me why I carry a knife with me always assumed that it was for protection. But my first response has been that my knife is a tool. I use it to cut boxes on a daily basis. And yes, somewhere in the back of my mind, it can be used for protection if needed be but I just hope that never happens. Knife carrying people are not EVIL. It is those who do EVIL things with knives that gives the rest of us hell to deal with.:mad:

My knife has been a very handy tool for me ever since I owned my first one. I think that those who fear them are just missing out on the great value of carrying a knife. I've taken my knife camping and off roading several times and it has bailed me out of sticky situations. Can't imagine what would have happened if I didn't have my knife with me.

I wish you the best of luck on your presentation Karl!! People out there do need to be more educated about knives ;)
 
Maybe, mentioning multi-tools and SAK's along knives can fortify the "knives as pocket tools" concept/image vs. the "knives as weapons" stereotype.

Talking about stereotype, you might take actual quotations from some of the ridiculously biased anti-knife media to confront the students with the prejudice.

You can also give examples for everyday use of knives as cutting tools hidden in questions that could prompt them to reevealuate of the usefulness of carrying knives. E.g.:
I wished to have one to open my mail/chips bag/mail package, to cut food/tape/paper. Answers: Never, Few times, Often, Regularly.

Also, packaging technology is different in many foreign countries (NO SCREW CAP BEER IN EU :p !, same for many sodas, wine bottles require corkscrews) so tool carry becomes important for travel. Not to mention wilderness safety! See Wilderness Survival Forum for that.

Last but not least, knives like other tools (e.g. watches) come in a variety of shapes/sizes/colors to reflect taste, status and personal style (strong, classy, unique, modern, traditional, antique, funky, and cool). Like other carry-tools that became accessories, it adds to the image of the person carrying it. Showing few nice examples might attract opened minds.

BTW, that should be really the topic of the new History Channel series: Boys' Toys :) ! "History of knife carry", "knife laws", "tool of the mankind", "knives of the nations" (bowie, trapper, sodbuster, sailors' knife, laguiolle?, khukuri, gent's, stiletto, barlow, etc). Just some food for the mind....

Good luck and let us know how it worked.

HM
 
Well folks, it's getting time to finalize my knife survey. You all have helped a lot, and what follows here bears little resemblance to what I had originally planned. Thanks!

First, a revision in the timeline of events:

This Monday, Feb. 11: I'll hand out initial surveys to students in Fanny's class. (The class meets Mondays and Wednesdays.) Each student will receive a survey and two envelopes. Both envelopes will have an ID number (i.e., 1 to 25) for matching up of the pre- and post- "knife show" surveys. They will be instructed to fill out the surveys and seal them in one of the envelopes (instructions repeated at bottom of first survey).

Wednesday, Feb. 13: Tom Marker will bring his share of the knives and help me set up the show before class. Arriving students will hand in their sealed envelopes before being given the followup survey to put in their unsealed envelope. This assures matching of pre- and post- surveys, retains anonymity, and gets those first survey instruments into my methodological little paws.

Here's a big change: I DON'T want them filling out the followup surveys right after the show, or even that day. I don't want any chance of anyone's emotional reactions near the peak levels they may reach while filling out the post-show survey. Remember, some of these folks may not be comfortable with ONE little bitty knife, let alone TWO TABLES FULL OF THE DARN THINGS that they have just been encouraged (gently encouraged, and it's purely optional) to look at, handle, and manipulate.

I want them to at least sleep on it. Give them time to absorb the experience and realize they entered the "KNIVES' DEN" and nothing bad happened to them (I hope--bandages will be on hand). :) Am I being too dramatic here? For most students, probably. However, there may be a few we need to be careful with. Plus, that's about four more minutes of "knife show" time in class!:)

So I will instruct the students to fill out the post-surveys no sooner than the next day. They will seal them up in their second numbered envelope and turn them in the next class Monday. (I'll see if Fanny can email a "fill out the second survey reminder" to all the students around the end of the week.)

Barring late "turner-inners," I should have the surveys by NEXT Monday, and can tally everything up. I will then post the results by next Tuesday or Wednesday, along with pictures from the "show" and perhaps a transcript of my presentation (I'll audiotape it). If a significant number of students forget them on Monday, I'll have to wait till Wednesday evening (at the earliest) to "publish" the results here on BF.

"So ya might gotta be patient wit me!"

I still haven't heard from Spark about some other questions I have on using BF/1SKS pictures, etc. for some of my illustrations on tables and for wall hanging. Where is that guy Kevin? :) I just don't want to violate any copyrights, etc. I don't think there would be a problem (remember, this "show" is entirely nonprofit-educational), but I want to make sure.

I just hope Kevin doesn't make me purchase a more expensive "Sociology Survey Membership" in BF. :p

Next post: My survey.

Karl
 
I need to finalize this by Sunday (tomorrow) around noon, so feel free to comment until that time. This survey and the post-show survey will be exactly alike except for a couple of additional questions on what they thought of the show, etc. I think I'll keep the factual questions on the second one, too--to help double-check for screwups in the matching of the surveys.

(Note that below, I have not typed in the rows of "1234567" choices for each question.)

******************************************
FINAL VERSION:


ED P&L 411 OPINION SURVEY (for Karl Spaulding) February 11, 2002

Please provide your answer to each question by circling a number corresponding to the following scale:

totally disagree 1
disagree 2
mildly disagree 3
not sure 4
mildly agree 5
agree 6
totally agree 7

(note: the scale will be horizontal, not vertical as posted here)


1. I am a student at OSU.
2. I can appreciate a good quality pocketknife.
3. It is inappropriate for ladies to carry pocketknives.
4. I have nothing to fear from average people who carry pocketknives.
5. Swiss Army Knives are cool.
6. If I get a flat tire, I'm quite capable of changing it myself.
7. Daily carry of pocketknives is weird.
8. Pocketknives are useful tools.
9. I'm generally afraid of knives.
10. In some emergencies, a pocketknife could be very helpful.
11. Peaceful, civilized people don't need to carry pocketknives.
12. If my car broke down, I would feel helpless.
13. I am wary of anyone I see pull out a pocketknife.
14. A pocketknife is a useful tool to have on you.
15. It is inappropriate for gentlemen to carry pocketknives.
16. Outside of the kitchen, restaurant, etc., the very idea of people with knives is threatening.
17. Those who always carry pocketknives are more prone to criminal violence than those who do not.
18. Those who carry pocketknives are more prepared than those who do not.
19. Daily pocketknife carry is not needed in our modern society.
20. If I were a high school teacher who saw a student with a pocketknife in school, I might panic.


What is your gender? female male
What is your age range? 26 or under / over 26
Write in your expected occupation after graduation:__________
Have you ever taken a first-aid or CPR class? yes no
If so, how many years ago you take it? ___________
Have you taken more than one? yes no
Have you ever taken a self-defense class? yes no
Describe the environment you grew up in: urban suburban rural
Do you own a pocketknife? yes no
Have you ever carried a pocketknife? yes no
Do any of your close relatives carry pocketknives? yes no
Have you ever been assaulted by someone with a knife? yes no
Have you ever been threatened with a knife? yes no
Have you ever carried a knife, or sharp knifelike tool, for "protection," even temporarily? yes no
Have you ever thought about using a kitchen knife for self-defense? yes no

PLEASE SEAL THE COMPLETED SURVEY IN YOUR NUMBERED ENVELOPE AND BRING IT TO CLASS ON MONDAY! THANK YOU VERY MUCH--KARL.


************************
FINAL VERSION COMPLETED....THANKS TO ALL WHO HELPED OUT! :)
************************


Remember, the main thing I'm trying to measure here, on a "before" and "after" knife show presentation basis, is FEAR OF KNIVES and FEAR/MISTRUST OF KNIFE PEOPLE. Will the students' exposure to a "mini knife show" where they can ask questions about knives and "knife persons" and actually handle knives serve as a "demystification" experience? Could the accurate (i.e., mundane, nonviolent and benign) portrayal of knives/knife owners help counteract the often violent, vivid, upsetting and frightening CRAP they get from the news and entertainment media?

Do I have enough "fear" questions?
Are my questions worded clearly, without unnecessary bias?
Is the format compatable with my goals?
Too short? Too long?

Tomorrow around noon I have to get this finalized and printed out for the next day.

Again, comments/criticisms welcomed!

Thanks,

Karl
 
I would change #13 to 'I am wary of someone who pulls out a pocketknife', as "cringe" may seem a little emotional to people and may bias them towards saying they don't "cringe".

And in #16 I might change the word "scares" to "threatens", again just because a person is more apt to admit being threatened than scared of something. Just more on the bias issue, not that positive answers wouldn't be nice, but the questions shouldn't poke people in any particular direction.

Aside from that, great! Just have fun doing your presention/s :). Oh, and if you could post your results in THIS thread 7-9 days from now when you get them or whatever so I'll catch it in my email if I would miss it in the forum. Thanks!
 
Good points, Stompy. I'll change 13 for sure, and I'll think more about the wording on 16.

I'll post a notice here when results are up, but they'll probably be in their own thread.

Karl
 
Karl,

A few minor, stress minor, suggestions:

14. A pocketknife is a useful thing to have on you.

How about "tool" or "device" rather than "thing"?

16. Outside of the kitchen, the very idea of knives scares me.

"kitchen, dining room, butcher shops, and restaurants"?

17. Those who always carry pocketknives are more prone to criminal violence than others.

"those who do not" rather than "others"?

18. Daily carry of pocketknives means being prepared.

A person who carries a pocketknife daily is more prepared than one who does not.

20. If I were a high school teacher who saw a student with a pocketknife in class, I might panic.

"in school" rather than "in class"?


What is your gender? female male
What is your age range? 26 or under over 26
Write in your expected occupation after graduation:__________
Have you ever taken a first-aid or CPR class? yes no
Do you own a pocketknife? yes no
Do you have a pocketknife within ten feet of you right now? yes no
Have you ever carried a pocketknife? yes no
Do any of your close relatives carry pocketknives? yes no
Have you ever been seriously injured with a knife? yes no
Have you ever been threatened with a knife? yes no

Perhaps add:

Did you grow up in an urban, suburban, or rural environment?


This survey is very interesting. Thanks for sharing (sounding Californian) for sharing it with us.


Alan
 
Stompy and Alan, I used some of your suggestions. Thanks for your help!

I'll be doing final revision around noon today. Then it's "printout time."

Any last minute comments? Is this thing too long or unwieldy?

Also, if anyone wants to time themselves "taking" this survey, feel free to post how long it took you! I don't want it to take more than four or five minutes of anyone's time.

Thanks,

Karl

FINAL VERSION COMPLETED--SEE TEXT IN MY PREVIOUS POST--THANKS ALL!!

NEXT TUESDAY, FEB. 19TH, I MAY HAVE AND POST THE RESULTS. IF NOT, PROBABLY THAT WEDNESDAY NIGHT.
 
Took me 4:15, which might be representative because even though I'm 'pro' knives, if you will, I still didn't just put down 1s or 7s. Much better cohesion in this final version :).
 
Dear Safety Guy,

How did the survey go? No obligation to tell us or spend time on a post, of course. Any interesting results or questions/actions on the part of the survey respondents? What comments did the professor have? Any results that might be worth trying to replicate on a wider scale?

Thanks - Alan
 
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