A needs assessment questionnaire for United Methodist older adults : instrument design and pretest

The purpose of this study was to design a research instrument which would identify the problems and unmet needs of older adult members of The United Methodist Church. A three-part survey instrument was developed to assess the overall well-being of respondents (Part One)/ to identify their problem areas (Part Two), and to identify their personal characteristics (Part Three). A pretest of the research instrument was conducted which utilized a random sample of members age 55 and over from the Hunger Place United Methodist Church, Dallas, Texas. All respondents were Caucasian and primarily of the middle class.

The procedures used in data assembly for this research involved a pretest and retest of the survey instrument to determine its effectiveness. Data Analysis consisted of: (1) a histogram of total responses to the Delighted-Terrible Scale (Part One) for the pretest and retest; (2) a comparison of responses to each question for the same respondents to tests one and two; and (3) a statistical analysis of the probability of instrument validity and error (Part One). Personal interviews with respondents also provided needed information on the clarity of the questions.

A major finding of the research was that the survey instrument demonstrated face validity for reflecting the true feelings and conditions of respondents. Furthermore, data analysis revealed a high degree of reliability for the instrument which was demonstrated by the stability of respondents' positions on tests one and two and by the homogeneity of individuals’ responses on each test. However, analysis indicated effectiveness of the instrument could be enhanced by restructuring the wording of a few of the questions.

United Methodist policymakers need valid and reliable data on which to base a national church policy on aging. Decisions must be made regarding program and service priorities for older adult members. The survey instrument in this study was demonstrated to be a valuable data-gathering instrument for assessing the perceived needs of United Methodist older adults in the test group. Future research should concentrate efforts in data collection of other United Methodist cultural or ethnic groups.