Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

Which data collection method involves observing the condition of homes and road conditions?

1. Participant observation

2. Windshield survey

3. Survey

4. Informant interviews

The correct answer is: Windshield survey

The correct answer is the windshield survey, which is a method used in public health to gather information about a community by driving through it. This approach allows the observer to visually assess various aspects of the environment, including housing conditions, the state of roads, availability of services, and overall community resources. Windshield surveys are particularly useful for getting a general sense of the community's infrastructure and socio-economic status, as they offer a snapshot of the living conditions without requiring in-depth interaction with residents. Participant observation typically involves the researcher immersing themselves in the community to gain insights through direct involvement, which is different from simply observing from a vehicle. A survey usually consists of distributing questionnaires to gather specific data from participants, rather than relying on visual assessment. Informant interviews involve talking directly with key individuals in the community to gain qualitative data about their experiences and perspectives; this method does not focus on visual observation as the windshield survey does.