Table of Contents >
   Part J. Evaluating Community Programs and Initiatives
      Chapter 38. Some Methods for Evaluating Comprehensive Communi... >
         Section 7. Behavioral Surveys >
             Tools & Checklists - A checklist that summarizes the major points contained in the section. >

Behavioral Surveys

  

Tools & Checklists

 Contributed by Aimee Whitman Edited by Bill Berkowitz and Jerry Schultz

Checklist

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


What are behavioral surveys?

___ You understand that behavioral survey, asks people to respond to questions about certain actions, or behaviors, that affect their physical, emotional, or mental well-being. ___ You understand that behavioral surveys do not try to determine what people think; rather, they focus on what people do.

___ You understand that your group should recognize that the results will be subjective accounts of individual actions.


You understand the three basic uses of behavioral surveys:

___ That behavioral surveys can shed light on exactly what the extent of the problem is in your community.

___ That the data you receive from these surveys can be used to push the issue to the forefront of public awareness.

___ That behavioral surveys offer yet another way to evaluate the success of the initiative.


You understand the four basic steps for conducting a behavioral survey:

___ Obtaining behavioral data;

___ Tabulating the data;

___ Plotting the data and providing feedback;

___ Using the data to determine the level of risk, raise public awareness, or evaluate your group's level of effectiveness.


Conducting behavioral surveys:

___ You will conduct behavioral surveys at regular intervals.

___ You have defined your objectives for the survey.

___ You have written questions related to your group's objectives that addresses the specific needs of your group and your community.

___ If appropriate, you've considered conducting a random phone survey to reach a sampling of the population.

___ If appropriate, you've checked with other area groups to see if any of them have already conducted a behavioral survey of their own that you can use.

___ If appropriate, you've considered contacting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta for information.

___ You have calculated the data to determine the percentage of people who engage in risk behaviors in your community and the extent of an issue in your community.

___ You've plotted the data in a chart form to have a visual representation of the problem and see the trends of the problem over time.

___ You've used the data to provide feedback to people involved in the initiative.

___ You've decided whether to use the data to help you determine where the greatest risk lies, and how you can continue to address that need in your community.

___ You've decided whether to use the data to raise public awareness about the issue.

___ You've decided whether to use the data to evaluate the effects of the initiative.