Komathi Kolandai Christchurch May 22, 2006 14:53 pm

Dear List members,

I am currently conducting PhD research at University of Canterbury, NZ Communicating Sustainability via the mass media. I am at present designing a questionnaire for environmental journalists. I need help in testing out a question. How would you answer the following question?

In the following list, indicate with [Y] areas that you believe have relevance to sustainability. Indicate with [N] areas that you believe have NO relevance to sustainability. (Indicate for all)

1.[ ] Animal ethics
2.[ ] Agriculture
3.[ ] Business
4.[ ] Culture
5.[ ] Conservation
6.[ ] Development
7.[ ] Ecology
8.[ ] Economy
9.[ ] Education
10.[ ] Energy
11.[ ] Entertainment
12.[ ] Environment
13.[ ] Engineering
14.[ ] Human rights
15.[ ] Human health
16.[ ] Intergenerational equality
17.[ ] Intergenerational equality
18.[ ] International relations
19.[ ] International trade
20.[ ] Lifestyle
21.[ ] Manufacturing
22.[ ] Politics
23.[ ] Poverty
24.[ ] Science
25.[ ] Shopping
26.[ ] Social wellbeing
27.[ ] Sports
28.[ ] Technology
29.[ ] Tourism
30.[ ] Trade

Besides asking journalists to explain their understanding of sustainable development and sustainable consumption, I thought the above question would give me an idea of the depth of their understanding. If they indicate only a few, then Id say they have little depth in understanding. But then I may be comparing with just my opinion of what sustainability means? I would say all 30 areas have relevance to sustainability, but that may just be my opinion. It is a bit difficult when there is no standard level to compare with when it comes to depth of understanding.

Thank you,
Komathi Kolandai