Hello, everyone. I’d like to ask a favor. I’m primarily a model railroader (I model the C&O’s Piedmont Subdivision - check it out at http://www.piedmontsub.com) and a member of the National Model Railroad Association. I also occasionally model other subjects (see some of my other models at http://www.larryzdaily.net) and I’m a member of the IPMS. I’m also a research psychologist interested in the psychology of hobbies and I’m currently conducting an online survey. If you have about half an hour and wouldn’t mind helping me out, the survey’s at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DNX3QKB
I took the survey, but one thing I noticed was that I am on some medication that might affect some of my answers but the questionaire never asked about that. So I hope that doesn’t impact things.
I learned of the importance of surveys in a couple classes during my time in college so I’m happy to help whenever I can. I wish you luck in your research!
I want to thank ygmodeler4, John (wolfhammer1), stikpusher, ridleusmc, Eric, and jtilley for taking the time to complete the survey.
Tojo72, thanks for giving it a go. Much appreciated.
BlackSheepTwoOneFour - pretty sure you’re correct - you don’t need a survey. I’m just trying to figure out why everyone else needs to be a modeler.
Eric - I may have some preliminary quanitative results in a month or so. It depends on how many folks complete the survey in the next few weeks. Analysis of the open-ended questions might take longer. I’ll make a note to get back to you when I have something.
I wouldn’t say it’s a “need.” It’s a hobby we all enjoyed since it’s humble beginnings. WHy? Because it was cool. LOL! I am interested in hearing your findings.
I learned a lot about myself and why I build models after some thought and introspection.
I also learned I dislike what I do for my job and went down the wrong career path. Didn’t really have a choice at the time. Need to feed the family and provide of a home after all.
Thanks to tempestjohnny, Jack (jrb53), ikar01, and modelcrazy for taking the survey.
A couple of side notes: modelcrazy, I never did finish all my planned Mustang builds. I still have two -D’s and a K to go, but my basement is a mess. I tore down my old model railroad and started a new one.
BlackSheepTwoOneFour, I’ve made a note to send you results when I get them. As I noted in a previous message, I might have some preliminary results in about a month.
Revenant, the purpose of the study is to answer two questions. The first is why some of us choose to build models? The second is, given that there seems to be a great deal of similarity in building models and creating art, how are model builders and artists similar and how are they different. If the results are interesting (and I really think they will be), I plan to write them up and publish them in a journal.