Develop Needs Assessment Research Questions Based On The SO

Develop 3needs Assessment Research Questions Based On The Social Prob

Develop 3 needs assessment research questions based on the social problem: (Example) lack of parental involvement in school-based mental health services. After each of your questions, discuss how you might answer the question (who might you ask, do you think there is available data you can review, would you primary or secondary data and why), and discuss the type of need which would be assessed by the research question (normative, felt, expressed, or comparative).

Paper For Above instruction

The social problem of inadequate access to mental health services among adolescents in urban areas is a critical issue that affects the well-being, development, and academic success of young people. To effectively address this problem, a comprehensive needs assessment is necessary, which begins with formulating relevant research questions. This essay develops three targeted research questions related to this social issue, discusses methods for answering them, and analyzes the type of need each question aims to assess.

Research Question 1: What are the perceived barriers to accessing mental health services among adolescents in urban communities?

This question aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of adolescents regarding mental health services. To answer this, researchers could conduct qualitative interviews or focus groups with adolescents to gather firsthand accounts of the obstacles they perceive, such as stigma, lack of transportation, or limited awareness of available services. Additionally, reviewing existing surveys or reports from health agencies could provide secondary data on common barriers reported by youth populations. Primary data collection via interviews offers nuanced insights into subjective experiences, while secondary data can highlight broader patterns. The focus of this question is on the felt need, as it seeks to understand adolescents’ perceptions of what prevents them from accessing services.

Research Question 2: How does the availability of mental health resources in urban school districts compare to the regional needs of the adolescent population?

This comparative question investigates whether the current mental health resources align with the actual needs of adolescents in urban settings. To answer it, researchers might review secondary data such as reports on the number and types of mental health services provided within schools and communities, demographic data on the adolescent population, and epidemiological data on mental health prevalence. Quantitative analysis of existing data can reveal disparities between resource availability and need levels. Surveys or interviews with school administrators and healthcare providers can serve as primary data sources to understand service capacity and gaps. The focus here is on a normative need assessment, comparing the existing provision against perceived or actual needs.

Research Question 3: What strategies do adolescents and parents believe would improve access and utilization of mental health services?

This question aims to identify perceived solutions from stakeholders directly impacted by the problem. To answer it, researchers could gather qualitative data through focus groups and interviews with adolescents and parents to understand their suggestions and preferences. Secondary data might include existing community or program evaluations that document effective interventions or outreach strategies. Primary data collection is essential for capturing stakeholder perspectives, which reflect felt and expressed needs—how individuals perceive solutions and express their desires for change. Identifying these strategies can inform targeted interventions that resonate with community members' priorities and experiences.

Summary

These three research questions collectively address different dimensions of the social problem: perceived barriers, resource adequacy, and stakeholder-suggested solutions. Answering them involves combining primary qualitative data to understand perceptions and experiences with secondary quantitative data to analyze existing resources and disparities. Such a comprehensive needs assessment enables stakeholders and policymakers to develop targeted, evidence-based interventions that effectively address the mental health needs of adolescents in urban communities, ultimately fostering increased access and better mental health outcomes.

References

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