Research study on knitting, crochet and wellbeing (Reading University).

I did the survey and was prepared to do the picture test at the end, but where it says press Enter to start, nothing happened!

I didn’t do the survey as I felt it was a bit odd asking for the third letter of my name , since it was to be anonymous

auntieflo it apparently only works if you’re on a computer not on your phone or tablet.

Well I’ve done the survey but didn’t really ‘get’ the mindfulness questions.

survey game says it only works with an actual computer not a mobile or laptop.

sorry Jameainsworth hadn't seen your message

I started on this with enthusiasm but fell at the second hurdle. I did all the stuff about mood, that was a doddle, but when it got to the section on mindfulness (I think it was, but not sure) and being aware of my body all the time etc etc, I was up the creek without a paddle. I had absolutely no idea what they were talking about and it didn't sound like anything I had ever experienced and there was know 'Dont know' box to tick.

The only thing left for me to do was make my excuses. or rather, not make my excuses, as there was no-one to make them to and abort the questionnaire.

I wish there was some way that one could send some feedback to these questionaire designers, so many of their questionnaires, that are quite reasonable in intent are undoable because of their poor design.

I know I am grinding a personal axe. I used to design questionnaires as a part of my job and was considered to have considerable expertise at so doing and I get so irritated by the number of cr*p questionnaires that keep turning up on GN.

Apparently learning to knit helps to improve your memory.
Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall took part in an experiment as part of his new TV series and knitted a rather lumpy blanket for the baby his co-presenter was expecting.
I wonder if she's used it?

He scored much better in the second test after learning to knit.

Totally agree MOnica
They seemed to assume everyone practised mindfulness.
Some of us are too busy!

The mindfulness section lost me too. I have done very little knitting/crochet recently but enjoy short bursts of activity. The survey seemed to be aimed only at those who knit frequently and regularly.
Stuck with it but didn't enjoy it. Very inflexible.

GNHQ it would be really nice if we could get some feedback from those who post questionnaires (with your consent) on GN.

Not just on our critiques of the questionnaires and how they are worded, that often considerably reduces response, but also a summary of what information the questionnaires show up. The results would often really interest us.

I would be really interested to know whether this questionnaire had been trialled on older people to see if they understood the mindfulness section. I would suggest that even many younger people may be aware of it as a technique but not know exactly what it entails.

I would imagine the mindfulness section will considerable reduce response. I would be interested to know why they put this section in without preparation and explanation and with no 'Don't know' choice. I suspect that the majority on knitters do not really understand what mindfulness is.

Every time I see GNHQ I think it says GCHQ. Am I paranoid ?

I did the quiz and felt the same about the mindfulness questions and also a bit put off by the ‘third letter of your surname ‘ stuff.
But then I thought , “ It’s ok. It’s only knitting. How could they misuse my information ? “

I've done the survey, but can't do the game at the end as I don't own a computer.
Mindfulness means nothing to me, and I was mystified by some of the questions, and wondered what it had to do with knitting and crochet.

The game didn’t launch. I thought the questions were too limited and didn’t cover the spread of possible responses.

Mindfulness??

I did read the Ladybird book on mindfulness but I don't think it mentioned knitting.
Or crochet.

It is probably for an undergrad dissertation.

I agree that there are flaws in the questionnaire design, but the it to be expected at that level - people have to learn.

I completed it, but am not very sure about the mindfulness questions either. I answered as best I could, but am not convinced that my answers correspond to the meaning the researcher had in mind.

Hi everyone, I posted this survey because I'm a knitter (and as with many other creative activities) it encourages concentration and being 'present'. When I worked in a big Government organisation, employees had access to Mindfulness sessions at lunchtime. Younger colleagues would invite me and I'd reply "No thanks, my knitting is my mindfulness" ?.

So when I saw this survey, I found it QI that what I already know, is being researched. So I posted it where other knitters or crafters could see it too.

As far as the design of a survey goes, I never get involved, as far as I am concerned, that's the researcher and their supervisor's problem. I just do my bit

(But I do accept that it is frustrating for some people when surveys are flawed).

I will find where I saw the survey on Twitter and see whether there is a contact email...

I've not tried the questionnaire and don't think I'll bother from what you say
I always have some knitting on the go. I didn't know it was mindfulness but you learn something new everyday.

I started but did not finish as I could not face the rest of it, it seemed a bit tedious.

The post about the Ladybird book on mindfulness made me smile Callistemon.

I find knitting very relaxing most of the time!!

I did get as far as the mindfulness bit but then abandoned it, sorry!

I gave one of those books to DD, mary
She and her friends were very mindful but they do not knit or crochet.
They are mindful enough of themselves to find it hilarious

Grammaretto I'm sorry if I put people off by talking about "mindfulness". I'm not sure that knitting is what is currently known as "mindfulness". What I mean is that when I knit I have to concentrate and pay attention, and to me that means I am being mindful. It empties my mind of all other thoughts, plus the repetition is very soothing.

I was involved in a cardiac research study a while ago that required my BP to be taken before certain tests could be done. The consultant said "Oh, your blood pressure is a bit high". I replied "Pass me my knitting and give me a quiet place to sit for 20 minutes or so". Sure enough, when he took my BO again, it was fine.

As you can tell, I am a great believer in the contribution that knitting makes to my wellbeing.

Me too, Grannyknot. I completed the survey in the hope that the results show the benefit that knitting/crochet etc can have on general wellbeing. I know that when I’ve been going through tough times, these hobbies, along with reading, have helped to give me some peace of mind.

Will someone please tell me what mindfulness is. I keep reading about it. This questionnaire and others talk as 'being in the moment. How can you not be in the moment? But beyond that and having quiet times, which one has anyway, what on earth is it.