When evaluating a program, there are numerous ways to collect data about its participation, impact, and success. A particularly powerful method that may be appropriate for program evaluation is qualitative field research. Qualitative field research allows the researcher to collect descriptive data about experiences directly from individuals in face-to-face settings. When evaluating such complex issues as human attitudes, behaviors, and opinions, qualitative research can provide in-depth information and rich insights that numerical data simply cannot provide.
This type of research is called qualitative field research because it is conducted in the environments in which experiences, such as program interventions, take place. Researchers collect detailed notes or transcriptions from observations, face-to-face interviewing, or focus group conversations.
In this Application, you consider how you might apply qualitative field research methods to needs assessments in human and social services.
To Prepare
Think back to the topic you selected for the Week 4 Discussion. Consider how you might evaluate a program for this topic using qualitative field research methods. Use the following questions to guide your thinking:
- What specific field techniques would you use to reach this population?
- Would you identify yourself as a researcher?
- What logistical issues would you need to consider?
The Assignment (2–3 pages)
Explain how you would evaluate a program for your selected topic using qualitative field research methods. Be specific and provide examples. Assume the proposed actions you suggested last week have taken place.
Community health needs assessment is a systematic process involving the community to identify and analyze community health needs (Becker, 2015). With a future in human and social services my concentration is community services. Behavioral health, mental health, health workforce, and obesity can benefit from conducting community health needs assessments. The initial steps would first be communication. Communication is the foundation for the community health needs assessment and its success is contingent upon open and transparent communication channel with organizational leadership (Becker, 2015). Forming a committee is a strategy to help gain support in carrying out all of the tasks associated with a CHNA and make the process collaborative in nature. The committee provides continuity and local guidance to the CHNA process, so it reflects your community. A survey tool contains both open-ended and close-ended questions, and is a good way to gather honest, anonymous feedback, available to all community members at locations throughout the county. Working with the committee, a community meeting with community stakeholders should be steered. An assessment process centered around arranging a broad-based community group that reviews data and information to identify health needs of the community, provides qualitative input, and makes recommendations to the community expands on why conducting needs assessment is necessary.
Becker, K. (2015). Conducting Community Health Needs Assessments in Rural Communities. Health Promotion Practice, 16(1), 15-19. https://ruralhealth.und.edu/assets/479-1329/10-step-chna-process.pdf