Interviews with Minority Drivers?

Valerie, is this a study that was assigned to you, as an undergraduate, doctorate, or something?

I see the dilemma that I presented, but I still stand by my words. I'm trying to think of some common ground that may help you out.

 

I hope I didn't scare you off.
I don't have a clue how you wound up with 19 out of 20 drivers being white.
But may I suggest possibly going to a truck stop, or even a company to conduct your survey?
If at a truck stop, you could target whoever you wanted,you shouldn't have much trouble getting someone to talk to you. Most drivers would be happy to speak with someone other than themselves.
But, I still stand by my words, just trying to make peace between our views.

 

she said she interviewed 20 drivers and 19 of them were white.. i dont believe she's doing it just to spur hate between the races.. but she's right, it would be nice to see how drivers from different backgrounds get on in their day. I'm pretty sure that just because a person is a truck driver that makes them a twin image of the driver next to him/her. there will be a difference between the races, and if not there definately the culture (sp) background. i'm pretty sure drivers born and raised in the country operate somewhat differently from drivers who hail from an urban background. Drivers out west may do things different from drivers on the east. it's always better to get multiple sides to a story rather then to just grab one and run with it.

 

LOL, you mean I'm not unique, just like everyone else? All this time I thought I was the special one. LOL.

If I sound nosy, tell me, but what was your dads reservations about the truckstop?

PhD? Great on your part, in what subject is that? Sounds a bit like one of the social sciences.

Now the company thing. Your sounding like you do have it together, so you likely have thought of this anyway. Possibly by explaining to whatever company you choose, that confidentiality would be assured, there wouldn't be a problem. The problem I see with it though is how "I" would ask for minority drivers. I guess that goes back to my earlier statements, eh?

Believe me, I really have been thinking on how to likely help you out, without violating my own convictions.

At any rate, good luck on your PhD, my wife has a doctorate in the nursing sector, and I KNOW how hard it is. A lot of credit from myself to you.

 

There are three kinds of lies: Lies, #### Lies, and statistics. If your survey is skewed, then the method of taking the survey are skewed. What other data collection methods are you using besides this forum? Perhaps by coincidence, this forum has more members with a caucasian background. Perhaps caucasians are more likely to respond to your questionnaire.

Perhaps your dad would accompany you to the truckstop to ease his concerns for your safety? (or brother, cousin, boyfriend, fiance, etc,- or maybe some girlfriends with purses full of mace?) The "Ladies Room" section of this forum has some good threads dealing with safety in truckstops.

 

If she's just doing the research in the restaurant she has no problem but going in to the parking lot, I can see dad going nuts over that! Stay out of the parking lot, do your research in the restaurant with the managers permission and remind dad that a lonely driver would love the company at the table and that is to her advantage!

 

Especially if she was buying!!! Good advice Rollover!

 

We understand how you feel about it,but it's her eproject and not yours.Perhaps she could include you in it though and you may have some interesting viewpoints to add.

She explained her motives very well.She is doing a study on truck drivers.Not all truck drivers are white males.I think it's great that she is going out of her to try and include woman,and other minorities out there.They drive truck too,and any portrayal/representation of truckers should include them as well..

I agree with her Dad about safety concerns for women in the truckstops.They have a lot more to worry about out there than your typical 400 pound driver in sweats and open toed sandals. That was great advise to check in with the ladies for tips on how they stay safe out there..

Personally, I like the restaurant idea.It's in public,well lit and a great place to meet a wide cross section of drivers.Stay out of the lots though.Not to be vulgar, but a woman stopping drivers out in the lot may be mistaken for a common truckstop prostitute.It's not a good look on any woman..

Best of luck Valerie..