I just returned from an epic bike ride journey (one that involved biking to La Paillade and Figuerolles) that put my survey to the test. Turns out that, for the most part, it's good. It requires a bit of explanation here and there, but only for the folks that need it, the majority had no problem understanding the questions, just some difficulty answering them (which was expected at times).
As compared to my research in Chicago, my only real frame of reference, the first struggle I had was a lack of incentive. Without waving money around, how could I get people to take 10 minutes out of their lives to take a survey? I began abruptly in La Paillade, just missing the market by about 10 minutes. Having 15 copies of my survey at hand, I was determined to get about half of those (didn't quite meet the mark, but oh well). I paced frantically, trying to determine exactly how I could begin a conversation that was formal, pleading but not begging, etc. etc.
My formulation was as follows: Excusez-moi, monsieur (ou madame). Voudriez-vous répondre aux quelques questions? This seemed simple enough. Of course, my first target simply said "No." The second were a two men, seated, seemingly not too busy. I mustered the courage to present them with my formula. One seemed not to care whatsoever, regardless of what I was going to say, while the other seemed generally curious. Not curious enough to contradict his friend who informed me that he was pretty busy and in a hurry.
Regardless, I realized that I had to develop a hook, line and sinker technique where I somehow got their interest long enough. I went back to a commercial center to find some people at bars (maybe?) (even though it's Ramadan) and did indeed find more people idling there. I approached one man who seemed nice. I started my formula, and he seemed to quickly lose interest, so I added, "Je suis un chercheur américain." BAM! Success. "Vous-êtes américain?" That piqued his interest. So, I sat down and did an interview style survey with him. Things went well. After it was over, with me practically hyperventilating, I went forth to find my next victim.
I found a woman seated in a café. I wasn't sure how to approach her, so I just asked the question, but with some reservation. Apparently I'm cute enough, because she said simply "Dites-moi" and I then began my "I'm an American researcher"spiel which seems to work so well. And, oh, did it ever (work so well). Not only did she take my survey, she gave me a glass of water, and a croissant for free. !!
I then wandered some more, finding a man staring at me strangely in the commercial center. Well, I asked him if he wanted to take the survey. This one was difficult because he seemed interested, but French was definitely not his language. I'm not sure how valuable his responses were.
Finally, I found a man in a white robe (Gandalf) and he responded well to my survey, and I even got to show him that I knew how to write Arabic, etc. (I'd like to think of these as halfway between survey and interview [the ethno-survey]).
After that, I said to myself I couldn't take anymore, it was too overwhelming. So, I made my way back home only to change my mind and head to Figuerolles to see how my luck fared there.
Much more happenings were happening at Figuerolles, but most people appeared preoccupied. I went over to my favorite little bar area where the old men sit, and saw some particularly bored looking gentlemen. I went up to them and began to ask, providing the hook "Can I ask you some questions?" Then, the line after he says "For what?": "Well, you see, I'm an American researcher and..." And finally, the sinker: "Does it take our name and address?" "No." "Okay we'll take it."
Therein I got two more responses, and could have gotten more (but I didn't want to sacrifice the quality of the data and get too much from the same group of gentlemen outside a café). These men were quite nice, and I discussed at length some of the issues surrounding French immigration, the obtaining of visas, and the like.
All in all, a good day. One thing I noticed: people are generally pretty nice. Another thing: Ramadan desserts attract bees like CRAZY. OH MY GOD. I have never seen so many bees around food and no one care. I suppose they are drenched in honey.
I also bought mint and some of the aforementioned Ramadan desserts. Yummy.
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