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Needs Assessment

This article discusses the different methods used in needs assessment, including qualitative and quantitative approaches. It emphasizes the importance of using both methods to ensure reliable data. The article also provides examples of data collection techniques, such as informal interviews and social indicators, along with relevant resources.

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Needs Assessment

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  1. Needs Assessment Qualitative & Quantitative Methods

  2. Needs Assessment is: • A type of applied research. Data is collected for a purpose! • Can be either a descriptive or exploratory study. • Can use either quantitative or qualitative methods. • Can use a combination of both qualitative or quantitative data. We have more confidence in our data if we have similar findings using both methods • Most often involves collecting information from community participants or existing data (indicators or case records). • In some cases, subjects or participants can be involved in research design, data collection, and analysis.

  3. Qualitative research: No structure is imposed on responses No intervention is used Focuses on feelings, perspectives, beliefs, and values of participants. Can be time consuming Used to learn about culture or to develop new theories. Quantitative research: Categories are pre-developed for responses An intervention is used. Collects info on facts and people’s perception, but response choices are limited. Usually time-limited Used to identify data patterns or common needs/problems Differences between qualitative and quantitative approaches

  4. Data Collection for Needs Assessment

  5. Exercise: Informal Interview • Pair up with one other student • For 10 minutes, conduct an interview with that student about his or her perceptions about either: a) Perceptions of the social work program. b) Student needs • At least one group of two volunteers will be asked to repeat the interview in front of the class. • We will also do a group exercise to see if we can identify common issues

  6. Social Indicators • Can be obtained from agency records. • Many agencies have systems that allow intake information to be entered into a management information system. • Government indicators can often be found on the Web. • The primary database for needs assessment in community practice is U.S. Census data.

  7. Census Data includes: • Ethnicity, gender, and age of residents. • Income. • Poverty rates. • Number of people living in census track or other geographic locations (neighborhood, city, congressional district, etc.). • Housing conditions.

  8. Census Information can be found at: http://www.census.gov

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