Survey on Cardano Blockchain Awareness Among College Students and Project Catalyst Newcomer Introduction

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Mac Tien Hoa

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

18800

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

4

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

Yes

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Surveying students at universities to learn about their opinions and misconceptions about blockchain (Cardano). Organizing workshops on Cardano in conjunction with Catalyst to promote the ecosystem

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

+ For research

All survey research including survey instruments, data analysis scripts and references will be stored on google drive https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AfB5TRHrdN45yLX0mAy8MTUBpRF9AKX9 , Github and other repositories. We will try to facilitate access and contribute to community building.

+ For discussion conference

All seminars will be recorded and uploaded to Youtube channel for the community to follow.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The lack of awareness of the Cardano blockchain is still a problem that hinders the proposals in the country of Vietnam. Taking advantage of the development of the Southern region of Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) with up to 50 universities.

That is why we want to conduct a survey research to determine the attitudes of young people towards blockchain and Cardano in Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City).

Objective of the study:

• Students' knowledge and attitudes towards blockchain: Determine students' knowledge of blockchain, attitudes towards blockchain especially Cardano.
• Demographics: develop and dig into student occupations to categorize them into different fields within Cardano. Can be developed into a baseline data for outreach and recruitment.

Research methodology:

• Survey: Provide survey questions on blockchain and Cardano understanding.(Questionnaire will be piloted to ensure academic validity to clearly determine impact and attitude)
• Implementation: Start reaching out to students from universities. (at least 10 universities)
• Data analysis: Conduct data analysis through tools to identify problems, shortcomings, perceptions and attitudes of students about blockchain as well as Cardano, thereby giving general assessments of the current situation.

Organize a workshop after the research is completed:

• Organize a Cardano launch conference and a Project Catalyst dissemination conference.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

The success of the project will bring the following value to the Cardano community:

Attracting new people: a survey summarizing the leading countries in cryptocurrency adoption rates. Among them, Vietnam is the leading country in owning cryptocurrencies. Therefore, we are confident that attracting new people is not difficult.

Improve awareness of blockchain: Although Vietnam is in the top of cryptocurrency ownership, the concept of blockchain is still new, especially among university students. Most people often think of crypto as a "scam" and "untrustworthy". Therefore, improving awareness among young people, especially students, is the first step for the concept of blockchain to be accepted by everyone and crypto will not be labeled as a "scam", thereby making it easier to connect people and blockchain.

Contribute to community development: The success of the project will highlight the data and educational materials already available in the Cardano community in Vietnam.

Create a database about Cardano and promote adoption: Having a student survey research about Cardano blockchain in Vietnam can be a reference to motivate ideas and decisions to implement future projects.

 

Measuring impact:

We measure this project through the following KPIs and goals:

1.Reached over 10 universities (over 2000 students participated) for survey.

The data we present are based on:

Tabachnick and Fidell (1996) on determining sample size in multivariate regression analysis, the minimum sample size required is calculated according to the formula:

n = 50 + 8 x m

In which:

• n: is the sample size
• m: number of independent variables

In the model of this study, it is determined that there are 4-5 independent variables, so the minimum sample size required to meet the reliability of multivariate regression analysis is: n = 50 + 8 x 4, so the minimum sample size of the multivariate regression study must be n = 82.

In addition, according to Harris (1985), the appropriate sample size for running multivariate regression must be equal to the number of independent variables plus at least 50. For example, if the regression has 4 independent variables, the minimum sample size must be 4 + 50 = 54. This explains why our group added 50 units position in the sample size calculation formula. In addition, Hair et al. (2014) suggested that the minimum sample size should be in the ratio of 5:1, that is, 5 observations for one observed variable. Thus, we have 4 independent variables participating in the regression, the minimum sample size will be 5 x 4 = 20. However, 5:1 is only the minimum sample size required, for the regression results to have higher statistical significance, the ideal sample size should be in the ratio of 10:1 or 15:1. In this study, the author chose the ratio of 5:1 for one observed variable. The research model includes at least 16-20 observed variables, so the required sample size is 80-100. The total sample size determined in this study is: 162~182 people (1 school)

We initially determined that we would contact at least 10 universities (pilot) so the number of respondents could range from 1620-1820 people.

However, the sampling method we used still did not include samples with errors, mistakes, wrong answers, so we decided to expand the sample size larger than expected to 2000 samples compared to the required 1620-1820 samples.

2.Create a research database on the Cardano blockchain.

3.Conduct a Cardano and Catalyst introductory conference (at least 50 attendees minimum).

4.Provide optimal recommendations for research after synthesizing the final survey results.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our ability to execute this project with a high level of reliability and accountability is based on several key strengths:

 

Academic expertise: Mac Tien Hoa, a student at NIIE, a financial research education institution, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, has extensive experience in conducting surveys and academic research for NGOs. In addition, I am also a member of the Cardano community and participated in Project Catalyst from Fund 11 and Fund 12. I have also personally participated in other projects in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to raise awareness about Cardano.

Institutional Support: Our affiliation with NIIE provides access to robust resources, including secure data collection and analysis tools. This ensures that our survey methodology and results adhere to rigorous academic standards.

Diverse team composition: Our team consists of experts with expertise in survey design, data analysis, blockchain technology knowledge, and project management.

Transparency and reporting: We will always maintain transparency by sharing regular research progress updates with the Cardano community, ensuring stakeholders are always informed.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Questionnaire design and pilot survey (1 month)

+ Milestone outputs

• Draft a detailed plan
• Complete the questionnaire (including observation variables and research methods).
• Determine the number of surveys and ensure access to 5 different universities.

+ Acceptance criteria

• Questionnaire approved by educational institution
• Consent to participate in survey research at 5 universities (pilot).

Milestone 2: Collect data and conduct analysis (1 month)

+Milestone outputs:

• Distribute survey to universities and collect raw data.
• Analyze data to identify observed variables and refine initial questionnaire
• Statistical segmentation of diverse data from student demographics

+Acceptance criteria:

• Complete final survey questionnaire

Milestone 3: Conduct a comprehensive survey of all remaining universities and analyze the final compiled data (1 month)

+ Milestone outputs:

• Survey scope is at least 10 different universities (including 5 pilot schools)
• Identify factors on students' attitudes towards blockchain, especially Cardano.

+Acceptance criteria

• Collect at least 2000 surveys (removing bad and incomplete data)
• Report on factors affecting students' attitudes towards blockchain, Cardano.

Final Milestone: Organize a seminar to introduce Cardano and Project Catalyst (2 sessions) (1 month)

+ Milestone outputs

• Preparation materials for the Cardano and Project Catalyst conference
• Determine the venue

+ Acceptance criteria

• Ensure at least 50 students attend 2 workshops introducing Cardano and Project Catalyst
• Ensure that there are at least 5 people with sufficient knowledge to participate in Project Catalyst.

+ Evidence of milestone completion

• Videos of the 2 seminars will be recorded and sent to Catalyst.iohk.io as well as the Youtube channel.
• Final report, video, related documents and project closure.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Mac Tien Hoa - project leader, student at NIIE International Training Institute, a financial research education organization, part of Nguyen Tat Thanh University, has extensive experience in conducting surveys and academic research for NGOs. In addition, I am also a member of the Cardano community and participated in Project Catalyst from Fund 11 and Fund 12.

Nam Nguyen – project support advisor, one of the excellent students of Ton Duc Thang University, one of the top 253 best universities in the world. He has always maintained good relationships with club departments in other universities. He will also act as a bridge in surveying students of his university. At the same time, Nam is an enthusiastic supporter of Cardano blockchain since 2020 and joined Catalyst as a PA in Fund 9. Besides, Nam is one of the people who has made great contributions to the Cardano community because he has guided many people to join as CR since Fund 10 until now for free. All members who have been guided to join Catalyst have full knowledge and bring honest evaluation results. Nam Nguyen contributes to the Catalyst space in particular and Cardano in general without any funding.

Other members are in the process of being added and we are confident that the remaining project members are fully qualified to meet the criteria to carry out this project.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Total Budget: ADA

Milestone 1: Design questionnaires and pilot surveys (2400 ADA)

• Design questionnaires and pilot surveys – 900 ADA (30₳/hour – 30h x 30 = 900)
• Logistics for pilot outreach at 5 universities – 1500 ADA (30₳/hour – 50h x 30 = 1500)
• Draft detailed plan and design research methodology – Free (We do not require this fee because our project team has previous experience)

 

Milestone 2-3: Collect data and conduct analysis (8600 ADA)

• Logistics for implementing the survey in 10 different universities (including pilot) – 3000 ADA (30₳/h – 100h x 30 = 3000)
• Data analysis (qualitative – quantitative) – 1600 ADA (40₳/h – 40h x 40 = 1600)
• Drafting and preparing research reports and articles – 4000 ADA (40₳/h – 100h x 40 = 4000)

 

Final Milestone: Organize an introductory seminar about Cardano and Project Catalyst (3700 ADA)

• Preparatory materials for 2 seminars – 800 ADA (20₳/h – 40h x 20 = 800)
• Venue rental fee for 2 seminars (including equipment) – 2000 ADA
• Marketing and advertising fee before the seminar – Free (we will conduct marketing and advertising during the survey)
• Incentive for participation during the seminar event – 500 ADA

(Incentive for participation in tasks such as knowledge exercises about Cardano blockchain and participation in Project Catalyst)

• Presenter for 2 seminars – 400 ADA/2 days (40₳/h – 10h x 40=400)

Other Expenses (4100 ADA)

• Project Management & Administration – 3600 ADA (40₳/h – 90 x 40 = 3600)
• Contingency Expense: 500ADA

 

Total Allocated: 18800 ADA – 6580$

 

The conversion rate is calculated as 1ada/0.35$. If the conversion rate is different due to the increase in the price of ada, we will continue to use it to organize seminars on the topic of Cardano blockchain and Project Catalyst to optimize the amount of funding.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The project brings huge value to the Cardano ecosystem.

 

The budget is 18800 ADA reflecting the economic situation and cost of living in Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City).

The project itself provides an academic and research database in a potential country of Vietnam where 41% of the population participates in crypto but lacks knowledge about blockchain. This is a great opportunity to bring knowledge of Cardano blockchain as well as Project Catalyst to reach people, especially students. The research is valuable by identifying factors that affect the attitudes and perceptions of young people towards blockchain, thereby identifying and improving those weaknesses. In that way, the research will contribute academic reference for individuals or organizations intending to implement similar projects in Vietnam. The ultimate goal of the project is to increase blockchain education, promote the presence and adoption of Cardano. Incentives such as Ada rewards will promote active participation and adoption. Once again, the implementation of this concept will strengthen the education ecosystem in Vietnam, promote support for the Catalyst Project and Cardano and the wider adoption of Cardano and Ada among the young student community in Southern Vietnam.