The assigned article is a detailed analysis of the main methods to use in conducting a needs assessment for veterans. It provides a sound analysis of the possible data collection methods to use while doing so and outlines key research questions for conducting this analysis. After reading the article, a reader could understand the basis for formulating the research questions because the author provides a background of the health issues affecting veterans (Soriano, 2013). By highlighting a list of the key stakeholders in the research, the reader could also understand the stakeholder interests that the research questions address. Broadly, the assigned article provides a sound overview of the research issues to consider when conducting a veterans’ needs assessment before they integrate into civilian life.
In the selection of the data collection methods outlined in the assigned article, the author argues for the use of the convergent mixed methods research approach because the commanding officers prefer quantitative data, while community stakeholders prefer qualitative data. I support this view because in my experience, technocrats (commanding officers) often rely on quantitative information to make decisions, while “ordinary people” often rely on qualitative data to do so because it is easy to understand. Furthermore, qualitative information is devoid of the complex statistical techniques that are synonymous with quantitative data analyses.
As highlighted in the first paragraph of this analytical piece, the researcher has investigated different aspects of the study to understand a needs assessment of the research issue. However, I suggest the need for a detailed review of other aspects of research, such as the data analysis techniques and the appropriate research approach to use (Creswell, 2014). By doing so, it would be important to ask if these research methods would align with the data analysis methods chosen in the study.
References
Creswell, J. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Soriano, F. I. (2013). Conducting needs assessments: A multidisciplinary approach (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.