Evaluation
The research went really well and I was able to answer all of my questions and reach a conclusion. I am aware that there is bias and some inaccuracy in internet sources and so should be careful in using this type of material.
The questionnaires worked and most of them were completed without problems arising. The sample size was a little small and there were not enough older age groups. I should have got more people to do the interviews.
Sometimes the unstructured interviews just became a conversation and we didn’t concentrate on the issue enough; also the recording of the interviews didn’t always work because the batteries were flat, so I just had to remember what was said.
Further Research
The research was very interesting and I learned a lot about the background to the problem. I was surprised that people were more aware of problems across the world and did not know as much about their own country. The reasons for this could be researched further. Maybe the reason is due to lots of media material on the environment from across the world on satellite television like CNN, Al Jazeera and BBC World. This is probably an example of globalisation affecting what people know and their perspectives on issues.
The research was successful because I found out about people’s attitudes to taking action – they tended to look for the government to solve problems. More research could be done on why people think this and what could be done to help people take their own action. For example on what should be done in school for children.
The research didn’t really change my own perspective on the issue – I still believe that declining biodiversity is very serious for our country and the world.
Bibliography
The following sources were used:
- United Nations Decade on Biodiversity - https://www.cbd.int/2011-2020
- The Youth Guide To Biodiversity – UN
- World Bank Press Release - http://biodiversity-l.iisd.org/news/world-bank-project-improves-health-and-welfare-in-kazakhstan/
- http://www.acbk.kz/en/
Appendices
10.1 Appendix 1 – Example of the Questionnaire
QUESTIONNAIRE ON DECLINING BIODIVERSITY
INTRODUCTION
This research is about public awareness of the issue of biodiversity and the decline of species in the world. It is being conducted for a school project. The questionnaire is confidential and will only take a few minutes to complete. Thank you for your help.
Please answer the following questions.
A. About Personal Background
- Age ………………………………………………
- Occupation ………………………………………………
- Gender ………………………………………………
- Education ………………………………………………