Figure 6: Three-phase plan for assessing needs (Witkin & Altschuld, 1995).
Needs Assessment Tools and Techniques
As mentioned earlier in this publication, the needs assessment should follow a systematic set of procedures. Using methods and protocols that have demonstrated high reliability and validity ensures the results of your own needs assessment are viable and trustworthy (Witkin & Altschuld, 1995). Both quantitative and qualitative tools and techniques exist but be careful when determining which to use. Survey methods such as the Borich Model are useful when you already know the needs or set of skills required but aren’t sure which to focus on first. Other methods such as interviews and the nominal group technique are useful when you do not have any determined or identified needs.
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension has published an 11-part series on needs assessment. You can access that resource here.
You may also want to read the CDC’s Community Needs Assessment Workbook, available here. North Carolina State University ’s Evaluation team has developed several county needs assessment tools; they are available here.
The CDC's checklist for engaging stakeholders can help you think through who the stakeholders of your evaluation are.
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