Table of Contents >
   Part B. Community Assessment, Agenda Setting, and Choice ... >
      Chapter 3. Assessing Community Needs and Resources >
         Section 5. Analyzing Community Problems >
             Tools & Checklists - A checklist that summarizes the major points contained in the section. >

Analyzing Community Problems

  

Tools & Checklists

 Contributed by Bill Berkowitz Edited by Phil Rabinowitz

Checklist

Here, you'll find checklists summarizing the major points contained in the text.


I understand that

____ Communities, like people, try to solve their problems.

____ Analyzing those problems helps in their solution.


Criteria for analyzing the problem: I have taken into consideration the following

____ Frequency of the problem

____ Duration of the problem

____ Scope or range of the problem

____ Severity of the problem

____ Legality of the problem

____ Perception of the problem


Reasons why you should analyze this problem: I understand that

____ To better identify what the problem or issue is....

____ To understand what is at the heart of a problem....

____ To determine the barriers and resources associated with addressing the problem.

____ To develop the best action steps for addressing the problem.


How to analyze a community problem: I have

____ Stated the problem, in general terms.

____ Given some specific examples of the problem.

____ Thought of some possible reasons or causes.

____ Found the most probable reason.

____ Identified some possible solutions.

____ Chosen the best solution.

____ Implemented that solution.

____ Evaluated the solution.


The value of analyzing community problems: I understand that

____ Analyzing community problems can be hard work.

____ Real community problems are likely to be complex and hard to solve.

____ When I look for reasons and underlying causes for significant problems, I'm likely to find more than one.

____The problem may not only have more than one reason; it may have more than one solution too.


Common criteria for the best possible solution: In coming up with the best possible solution, I have taken into consideration

____ Cost.

____ Time.

____ People.

____ Obstacles.

____ Impact.


Measuring impact: I have asked myself the following questions

____ How many people will be affected/ will benefit?

____ For how long will they benefit? How long will the solution last?

____ How intensely will they benefit -- what is the extent of impact on their lives?

____ Are there any possible side consequences, or spin-offs, or unanticipated effects?

____ What is the community's preference?

____ What is the likelihood of success?


Questions to ask about the likelihood of success: I have asked myself the following questions

____ What is the best evidence that this solution is going to work?

____ Where has this solution been tried before, and what has been the outcome?

____ What does expert opinion say on the probability of this solution being successful?

____ Have there been research studies showing that this solution works, or is likely to work?

____ Does my situation match others where this solution has been successful?

____ Do I have personal direct experience using this kind of solution?