Need Analysis: Tools for the Human Services and Education

This work brings together material of relevance to a wide range of courses in evaluation, policy analysis, social services, and welfare and planning. . . Equal opportunity and affirmative action workers should also look at this. --Media Information Australia Need assessment has grown in popularity in recent years as a tool to inform decision makers. The purposes of this book are to present the primary social science research techniques used in need identification (e.g., client surveys, key informant interviews) and to provide a framework for understanding and integrating this information in a need assessment. Emphasis is placed on convergent analysis and social marketing models of assessment. Actual examples from human service and education need analysis are used effectively throughout the book. Need Analysis is directed to students in human services, social sciences, and education who are studying for careers that involve administrative and research duties. It is also for administrators and researchers in school, mental health, and similar organizations who conduct or act upon need assessments.