2008 Woodie Awards
Survey says: 'social norms' an important research topic
Conn. Department of Transportation funds randomly selected student questionnaire
Susan Patton
Issue date: 3/1/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
A new survey being conducted hopes to change student perceptions.
Richard Madwid, counselor and designated coordinator of social norming on campus is leading a project entitled, "Social Norming: An Evidence-based Approach". The survey is funded by a grant from the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Madwid, a clinical counselor with over 25 years of experience, and adjunct professor said that the perception some students have when researching colleges and universities is that college life is about partying and social drinking, when in all reality, the habits of college students may not always include excessive partying and drinking.
"Some students go to college thinking life is going to be a big party and things will always be out of control," said Madwid.
Madwid and the Sacred Heart Counseling staff are currently surveying students throughout campus to collect data on student's personal views and attitudes toward social drinking and driving habits, and student's perspectives of how the campus population view these issues. Included in the survey will be questions such as; On average, how often do you have a drink containing alcohol, how often do you think the average Sacred Heart student has a drink containing alcohol, and what is your opinion of people who drive after drinking alcohol?
Students like Janelle Watson, junior Reading, Mass. don't think the average college student is always drinking and partying.
"If someone wants to go drink and party they will find the means to do so. I think it really depends on the person. When intoxicated students get out of hand, it can be annoying because they should know their limits when consuming alcohol. I don't think that drunk driving is a big problem on campus," said Watson.
"Through this grant, we hope to demonstrate that the perception many Sacred Heart students have about drinking may not be the norm. Once we change the perception, we can change the norm," said Madwid.
"In other words, if we can show that most SHU students are not drinking excessively, then perceptions regarding alcohol usage will change."
On the other hand students like Laura Shugrue, senior Stratford are quite concerned about drinking and driving; "I think a lot of students on campus drink and drive."
"Drunk driving is becoming a lot more common in society, although here at Sacred Heart students are becoming a little more responsible regarding drinking and driving. If students are going out to the bars, they are becoming more concerned about finding a designated driver," said Shugrue.
According to Madwid, Sacred Heart University is the first university in Connecticut to be awarded the grant, which the SHU counseling department wrote, from the State Department of Transportation.
"Results of the research will be used to create an advertising campaign dealing with responsible alcohol consumption for young adults," said Madwid.
Richard Madwid, counselor and designated coordinator of social norming on campus is leading a project entitled, "Social Norming: An Evidence-based Approach". The survey is funded by a grant from the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Madwid, a clinical counselor with over 25 years of experience, and adjunct professor said that the perception some students have when researching colleges and universities is that college life is about partying and social drinking, when in all reality, the habits of college students may not always include excessive partying and drinking.
"Some students go to college thinking life is going to be a big party and things will always be out of control," said Madwid.
Madwid and the Sacred Heart Counseling staff are currently surveying students throughout campus to collect data on student's personal views and attitudes toward social drinking and driving habits, and student's perspectives of how the campus population view these issues. Included in the survey will be questions such as; On average, how often do you have a drink containing alcohol, how often do you think the average Sacred Heart student has a drink containing alcohol, and what is your opinion of people who drive after drinking alcohol?
Students like Janelle Watson, junior Reading, Mass. don't think the average college student is always drinking and partying.
"If someone wants to go drink and party they will find the means to do so. I think it really depends on the person. When intoxicated students get out of hand, it can be annoying because they should know their limits when consuming alcohol. I don't think that drunk driving is a big problem on campus," said Watson.
"Through this grant, we hope to demonstrate that the perception many Sacred Heart students have about drinking may not be the norm. Once we change the perception, we can change the norm," said Madwid.
"In other words, if we can show that most SHU students are not drinking excessively, then perceptions regarding alcohol usage will change."
On the other hand students like Laura Shugrue, senior Stratford are quite concerned about drinking and driving; "I think a lot of students on campus drink and drive."
"Drunk driving is becoming a lot more common in society, although here at Sacred Heart students are becoming a little more responsible regarding drinking and driving. If students are going out to the bars, they are becoming more concerned about finding a designated driver," said Shugrue.
According to Madwid, Sacred Heart University is the first university in Connecticut to be awarded the grant, which the SHU counseling department wrote, from the State Department of Transportation.
"Results of the research will be used to create an advertising campaign dealing with responsible alcohol consumption for young adults," said Madwid.
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