Participant observation is a method used in the field to collect gather qualitative information on people's attitudes and motivation and to gather ideas. It involves a series of questions with answers to check off, encouraging the tester to listen rather than take notes. Testers use secondary sources to analyze the data, draw conclusions, and develop new hypotheses about needs.
The semi-structured interview is a straightforward and economical way to gather information about needs. Informal interviews can be conducted individually or with small groups. The interviewer uses a guide to stay focused; it may contain questions or discussion points. The interviewer takes notes as participants respond. Questions and discussion points are designed flexibly to encourage honesty and insight and keep topics focused to keep discussion flowing.
In mapping, testers use a number of techniques to gather information. Through a series of exercises, testers collect baseline data to evaluate need. Exercises can include semantic mapping, mind mapping and webbing techniques in small groups. As queries are made, respondents fill in the maps with information. Analysts "map" information to demonstrate connections and a hierarchy of needs. This tool is useful for community development and planning by allowing others to take responsibility for the process and overall direction.
Pocket charts are useful for investigating needs, using pictures to stimulate ideas. As participants are encouraged to respond to prompts, testers compile information for situational analysis later. Pocket charts are often made of cardboard covered with cloth, but can also be made with paper, with rows of pockets set in columns. Information is captured through voting on issues as they are brought up, such as in project development or community infrastructure projects.
Similar to mapping, tree diagrams serve as visual tools that represent ideas. They work by breaking down or narrowing needs and then reorganizing them by priority. As testers gather information, it is placed into a treelike diagram, with the trunk representing the focus or issue at hand. Related facts, outcomes, influences and issues become the roots, branches and leaves of the tree.