In a novel attempt to study the results of four years' training at Harvard the Senior Album Committee plans a vast survey of the Class of 1940.
The poll was conceived by Donald MacD. D. Thurber '40, who is acting under the direction of John L. Donnell '40, chairman of the Album Committee. Thurber describes the survey as an attempt to learn the Class's "mental, social, and cultural orientation." It will be tabulated on a special machine in University Hall.
Varied Subjects Covered
Questions consider subjects ranging from scholastic records to social view-points, aiming to learn not only the standing of each man during his four years, but also his opinions on sex, dancing, and politics. Seniors are asked to answer inquiries on movie attendance, record and book collections, and a host of similar matters based on their experiences in the College. Following the type employed by the Gallup and Fortune polls, the questions present definite choices after a general statement or inquiry.
It is planned to correlate the material dealing with college life to that gleaned from questions on environment, such as family income, marital state of parents, and family occupations.
Opinions are sought on the educational facilities of Harvard in such questions as those dealing with relations of the Senior with members of the Faculty and extra-tutorial study. An important question in this section asks, "What would you do to improve the quality of education offered at Harvard?"
Seek General Outlook
The final section of the survey considers the "general outlook on modern life" held by members of the graduating Class. Inquiries are here found dealing with the Senior attitudes toward the New Deal, labor relations, and democracy.
Thurber has had the assistance of several Faculty and administrative officers in preparation of the survey.
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