How to access a drop down list using jquery?

How to access a drop down list using jquery?

Hi,
I have added a search box and a drop down list for it and trying to link the drop down option in the search box.My code is:
var quickSearchConfig = {
        delay: 500,             // time to wait before executing the query (in ms)
        minCharacters: 3,       // minimum nr of characters to enter before search
        scope: "All Scopes",     // search scope to use
        numberOfResults: 15,    // number of results to show
        resultsAnimation: 200,  // animation time (in ms) of the search results
        resultAnimation: 0      // animation time (in ms) of individual result (when selected)
 in the scope i want to get a variable to access the drop down options dynamically.Is it possible?






I added the drop down as
 
><select id="ddlScopes"> <option>All Sites</option> <option>People</option> <option>Content</option> <option>Groups</option></select>
and trying to access it as:
 var s=$("#ddlScopes option:selected").text();
 and when I am putting the variable "s" in place of scope in  quickSearchConfig it is not working.
 
What can be done?Please suggest...
Thanks
Sucharita30