Qualitative Methodology, Hypothesis Testing and the Needs Assessment

Abstract

Explores a variety of techniques that are presently used by program evaluators to generate data and discusses how these techniques may be used irresponsibly. It is argued that data have meaning only when they are verified experientially. For this type of verification to take place, program evaluators must use a 'responsible' methodology when conducting research. A definition of responsible methodology is advanced, and its proper operationalization is illustrated. In particular, it is shown how key needs assessment strategies can be used in a responsible manner to capture the experiential significance of data. (22 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)