Needs Assessment: Theoretical Considerations and Approaches to Measurement.
Needs Assessment: Theoretical Considerations and Approaches to Measurement. 350 words
Examine and define elastic and elasticity; normative and perceived needs; and expressed and relative needs. How are they each related to needs and needs assessment?
Examine strengths and limitations of the concept “at-risk” in Chapter 4 of your text. Explain what the strengths and limitations are of the concept “at-risk” when used in needs assessment.
Examine the use of existing surveys from the reading in Chapter 5. Explain some of the potential pitfalls when you use existing surveys to estimate need.
Explain the benefits of examining the distribution of need geographically.
Designing and Managing Programs: An Effectiveness-Based Approach.
Chapter 4: “Needs Assessment: Theoretical Considerations”
Chapter 5: “Needs Assessment: Approaches to Measurement”
Chapter 4 will introduce you to the term “need,” you will examine how the term need has been defined historically and examine the historical approach to defining need. You will also critically examine why it is important to seek out supporting data, but also to verify the reliability of data sources when assessing needs.
Chapter 5 will introduce you to the various approaches to addressing need. You will also get a better understanding of methodologies used in measuring need, the process of extrapolating from existing studies, and the use of inventories. You will also be introduced to public forums.
Solution Preview
Elastic is a term well used in economics to show how buyers and sellers behave after a change of a price while elasticity is the measure of the response by the buyers and sellers after an increase or decrease in price and supply of a commodity. A normative need can be defined as the needs that are the standard set by experts. An example is a patient who attends an annual clinic because a doctor recommends it (Barrow et al, 1989).
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