Coastal Services Center

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Assessment methods

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A key to any successful needs assessment project is the gathering of complete and accurate data and information regarding your target audience. There are seven basic assessment methods that can be used to gather data and information. Each has its own set of benefits and limitations. Depending on time and other logistic issues you may not be able to utilize what might be your first choice of method. Often you will need to use more than one method to obtain the information you need.

Make a selection from the menu below to learn more about an assessment method. After you have finished all the sections, try this fun exercise to test your knowledge. Then click Home to return to the Main Menu.

• Observation
• Interviews
• Focus Groups
• Oral Surveys
• Questionnaires
• Existing Data
• Tests