How Windshield Surveys Differ from Other Research Methods
Benefits of Conducting a Windshield Survey
1. Provides a comprehensive overview of community resources
2. Helps identify health concerns and potential health issues
3. Offers insights into the community’s demographics and socioeconomic status
4. Informs health promotion strategies and interventions
5. Enhances understanding of environmental health factors
Unlike more formal research methods, windshield surveys offer a quick, cost-effective way to gather observational data about a community. They allow for a broad assessment of community characteristics without requiring direct interaction with community members.
Steps to Conduct a Windshield Survey for Sentinel City®
Planning and Preparation
1. Identify objectives: Determine what specific aspects of community health you want to assess.
2. Choose a route: Plan a path through Sentinel City® that covers diverse neighborhoods like Industrial Heights, Nightingale Square, and the area around the Acer Tech Center.
3. Prepare necessary tools: Have a notebook, camera (if applicable in the simulation), and any provided maps or guides ready.
Conducting the sentinel city windshield Survey
1. Navigate through Sentinel City®: Explore the virtual city, paying close attention to the details of each neighborhood.
2. Observe and document findings: Take notes on key indicators such as:
– Infrastructure (roads, public transportation, parks and recreation facilities)
– Businesses and services (health clinics, community centers, grocery stores)
– Housing conditions and types (including affordable housing projects)
– Environmental factors (cleanliness, green spaces, potential health hazards)
– Social indicators (presence of community members, signs of community engagement)
3. Pay attention to specific areas of interest:
– Better Health Clinic
– City Hall
– Casper Park District
– Industrial Heights and Casper Park neighborhoods
– Nightingale Square and Acer Tech areas
Analyzing and Interpreting the Data
- Organize findings: Group observations by category (e.g., healthcare access, housing, environmental health).
2. Identify patterns and trends: Look for commonalities and differences across neighborhoods.
3. Draw conclusions: Determine the major health concerns and community needs based on your observations.
