My Research findings
Speculations(Based on my calculations, applying my data to other statistics)
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The data in the graph to the left are based on 25 responses to a one-question survey I created on Google Forms. I made the survey anonymous, in an attempt to minimize potential inaccuracies in my data. I asked the respondents to the survey, who I contacted through E-mail and Facebook, to view a brief slideshare presentation before answering the survey's one question. The slideshare conveyed some basic information about the damage done by invasive Asian carp, mentioned researchers who have suggested reducing their population by commercial fishing, and mentioned a couple chefs who have said favorable things about Asian carp meat.
I decided the optimum phrasing for the question and responses themselves would be as follows: If Asian carp were being sold in a store or restaurant at a similar price to other, more popular white fish like catfish and tilapia, which would you choose to buy? a) I would definitely choose the catfish or tilapia. b) I would probably choose the catfish or tilapia. c) I am indifferent; I might choose any of them. d) I would probably choose Asian carp. e) I would definitely choose Asian carp. Of my 25 respondents, two chose "a," four chose "b," eleven chose "c," eight chose "d," and none chose "e." Thus, just over three fourths of my respondents reported being at least as willing to buy Asian carp as they are to buy other fish. The suggestion, then, is that if Americans were educated about Asian carp through something like TV commercials, they could easily persuaded to give it a try. Thus, if my tiny sample really does represent the feelings of the rest of America, and if once Americans tried the carp they enjoyed them as much as Asians do, commercial fishermen could profitably remove enormous amounts of carp from native waterways. My admittedly speculative calculations suggest about 600,000,000 pounds annually--enough to deplete carp populations in no time at all. |
This site was created by Joey Benevento in Emory University's Domain of One's Own Program as part of an English 212W class with Professor Marc Bousquet.