Is the adoption site a fair representitive of all adoptees?

Question

I was going to do a project and my teacher said I couldn't use yahoo because it doesn't represent all adoptees just the ones that are upset with adoption.

Is it true that MOST adoptes are not like the ones here they are happier with adoption?

Answer 1

i think is the other way arround...and u could say u research some where else ..... like the library... or something ....................

Answer 2

People speak up if they have a reason to speak up.

........ You're teacher hangs out on YA adoption?

Answer 3

You have an issue in that you still think that just because someone doesn't like the law, it means that they didn't like "their" adoption.  That's ludicrous.  In order to make rational judgments, you will need to learn to separate issues.

At any rate, your teacher has no idea what "type" of adoptees are likely to come here.  There is a variety, but not very many.

Perhaps you should ask her what she considers an adequate subject pool.  You could also consider reading books on the topic.  There are studies that have already been compiled.  You could use them as a reference point.  I'm sure the library will have what you need in order to complete a report based on non-anecdotal evidence.

ETA:

Hi, Ziggy

Answer 4

I'd agree with your teacher.  I don't think it's a true random sampling because of the nature of the internet.  Also, there's really no way to tell for certain that anyone on the internet is who he/she says he/she is.  And there is nothing to prevent someone from making multiple logins and "stuffing the ballot box" so to speak.  

Not accusing anyone of any of the above.  I'm just pointing out why this format should not be considered a random sample.

Edit: Regarding the thumbs down, didn't you take Statistics in college?  There are rules for determining what is a representative sample for research purposes.  Sheesh.

Answer 5

So why not ask your teacher HOW to get an accurate cross-section of adult adoptees?

What is the thesis of your research paper?

Answer 6

Ziggy,  

I think you should try the library, but you should probably consider asking George Bush to lend you a crutch to help you walk across the golf course to get over to the library.

;-)

Answer 7

Hi Surfer,

Adoption is a great topic to do your research on, especially if you get to give a presentation to your class.  Sounds like you have already submitted some sort of preliminary ideas to your teacher and received some negative feedback on your proposed sources.  

If your teacher says internet forums are acceptable & only wants you to research a view of adoption through rose-colored glasses, then you could easily visit every other adoption forum online because they are all moderated.  Any adoptees who present anything less than glowing aspects about adoption there are censored or banned.  That side of adoption is simply not welcome by the adoption industry and parents who have adopted.

On the other hand, if one wants a variety of unedited, heartfelt answers from actual adoptees who have lived it their entire lives, then those answers will all be found here.  In many ways this is more educational for those with open minds.  That can explain why so many people are often shocked at first when they read different aspects of adoption here because they have not been exposed to some adoption issues anywhere else before.  It's a place where adoptees can have their voice heard too.  If readers keep reading, they will learn things that are real that they did not know even existed.

If your teacher's point is that your paper must contain only scientific research, then the same could be said of any internet forum.  Nothing will represent ALL adoptees.  Unless you are specifically asking for personal opinions, the information gathered cannot be considered scientific research if you are just asking random people questions anywhere.  If you are seeking information on data and statistics, then yes, the links given here are real sites that can be verified and used for research purposes.  In that case, you would cite the sources given rather than the Yahoo Answers section.  I'm guessing your teacher probably has reservations in general with students using internet forums as solid evidence, rather than with whether adoptees are actually happy or unhappy.

What this all boils down to is what type of project did your teacher actually assign?  What grade are you in?  What subject is this for?  What are the requirements?  What do you hope to prove or disprove?  It sounds like you might be trying to research how many adoptees are happy?  Or perhaps what makes adoptees happy?  Narrowing down a particular topic provides for better focus in a paper.  How many different sources do you need to use?  Try to edit to add more details in your question.  If we knew exactly what your teacher was looking for, we might be able to better steer you in helpful directions.  Good luck.

julie j

reunited adoptee

Edit to add:  You might also want to check out the homework help section of Y!A for additional ideas on your  project.

Answer 8

Surf,

No, this is not a fair representative of all adoptees.  The adoptees that search out sites like this are, for the most part, looking for a place to vent. This site does not represent the adoptees that do not care if they're adopted because they're not trolling the internet.  Their adoption doesn't matter to them and yes, there are a lot of them out there.

others might be on this site because of reunion and the issues that surround it.  Most of the people here are seeking reunion or in reunion but not ALL adoptees require that for any type of healing.  In fact, some adoptees will tell you they have nothing to heal from and it does not mean they're in denial.

You would truly have to stand out at the supermarket and one by one, poll the people that come out of the supermarket to see if they're adopted.  That would truly be the only way.

Answer 9

No, it isn't a fair representation of all adoptees.  Try hallmark.com for positive adoption stories..

Answer 10

Yes, believe it or not, it's true.  Y!A is not the place to try to do an empirical study.  Your teacher am smart.

Come on!  Think about it.  Here people can represent themselves as just about anybody.  They can pretend to be adoptees.  They can pretend to be adoptive parents.  I mean one person on here pretends to be an adoption worker, a "birthmother", an adoptee AND an adoptive parents.  Unbelievable!

Some people can even change their names from Ziggy to ummmmm... whatever they feel is convenient.

It's not the best makings for a pure case study.

Good luck with your paper.

Now get yourself to a library and start doing some research that counts.

Answer 11

Your teacher is right.  I'd go with legitimate research.

Answer 12

Until I came here, I had not heard of any other adopted person feeling trauma from it. I know quite a few and not one has looked at it the some people here do. From seeing that I would say most are happy with their adoption.

Most people who are happy with adoption get reported and deleted anyway so you really only see the army of those thinking everyone should be miserable.