Useful Tool for Obtaining Information

Survey research is a very useful tool in obtaining information about a topic of interest to better understand it or to create a general idea about how to best examine a problem further. This type of research is dependent on the available resources which can include people and recorded information and the value of any information gathered will depend on the skill of the researcher. Methods of obtaining data can be mixed depending on the purpose of the research and targeted questions in a population-based study may involve asking open-ended questions or providing participants with questionnaires that will be used to best describe the characteristics of a larger sample of individuals (Ponto, 2015).

Information gathered from individuals or groups can aid the researcher in developing an approach that best suits the study and variables to be explored (Ponto, 2015).

The character in the film, Erin Brockovich, surveyed individuals of interest who were first seeking legal representation in a real estate case when Brockovich, who was sent as a legal clerk to investigate, stumbled upon what came to be a direct-action lawsuit.

Various methods were used to obtain information from the target population. She let the participants speak freely about their medical conditions and health concerns and Ms. Brockovich used information gained in response to her target questions. Brockovich was able to obtain personal and intimate accounts about the health concerns of families surveyed using effective communication skills. Brockovich began by interviewing individuals, then families and she also set up a picnic to gather community members who may have been affected to encourage further participation.

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A needs assessment was conducted by the researcher in the film using various techniques that developed as the severity of the case became more apparent. In this case, sending a lay worker to assess the needs of the target population helped participants feel comfortable about revealing personal information (Bogue, 2011). Brockovich collected physical evidence, obtained her water samples, and obtained public records before they could be destroyed, which could then be compared with participant statements and timelines (Devito, Shamberg & Sher, 2000).

A needs assessment was used to obtain information about the prevalence, distribution, and interrelations of variables within the affected population using both simple and complex methods. The collection of information about the community to be served must take into account the local environment and demographic characteristics in addition to the literacy of participants and a level of trust between the target population and the researcher (Bogue, 2011). Brockovich was able to observe health patterns that consisted of rashes, miscarriages, and devastation to livestock in the area and she also consulted with scientists in the area familiar with relevant material about appropriate and safe levels of chromium VI (Devito, Shamberg & Sher, 2000). Vital to the needs assessment was documentation of the health care needs of the population and whether they were receiving health services and if they were satisfied with the services, or if their needs were unmet (Bogue, 2011). Brockovich was able to relate to the community members and made each person feel important and comfortable by giving her accurate accounts of events.

Ethical implications concerning the researcher’s actions were observed by Brockovich as she obtained both public and confidential information. At one point she questioned the ethics of others, such as the representative at the Regional Water Board where public water supply records were kept (Devito, Shamberg & Sher, 2000). Brockovich also raised concerns when patient records and correspondence about health problems with Pacific Gas and Electric were mixed in with the case file about the real estate purchase (Devito, Shamberg & Sher, 2000). A good researcher will strive to reduce any potential for bias when gathering survey research and will take measures to reduce bias (Ponto, 2015). While Brockovich had no formal education for the legal position she held, she was a compassionate and sincere person who was truly concerned about justice for the clients of Hinkley, California.