This study used a self-administered questionnaire, and data
were collected from a convenience sample of adults residing in
a large metropolitan area in the southeastern part of the USA.
Respondents were recruited by undergraduate
communication research students who received extensive
training and guidance on how to administer surveys properly.
Student recruiters distributed paper-and-pencil surveys
among their family members, peers, acquaintances and
personal contacts in their communities. Respondents were
required to be 20 years old or older to participate in the study.
The sample consisted of 569 individuals, of whom 39 per cent
were male. Men were under-represented because their refusal
rate was higher than that of women. The average age of the
respondents was 31.8 years (SD 12.5). Of the sample, 71.3
per cent of the households reported an income that was equal
to the median American income, and 28.7 per cent earned
above it. With regard to education, 48 per cent had some
college training or a two-year degree, and 30 per cent had