A nurse conducting a community assessment gathers data by directly conversing with individual community members. Which data collection method is this?

• A. Key informant interviews
• B. Participant observation
• C. Focus groups
• D. Health surveys

Answer: (A)

Direct, one-on-one conversations with individuals who have specialized knowledge about the community best fit key informant interviews. These informants—such as community leaders, healthcare workers, or long-time residents—can provide in-depth, contextual insights about local health issues, resources, barriers, and social dynamics that might not emerge from surveys or observations. This approach contrasts with participant observation, which emphasizes immersion and watching behaviors; focus groups, which gather perspectives from a group in discussion; and health surveys, which use standardized questions administered to many people. So, talking directly with knowledgeable individuals yields rich, targeted information crucial for understanding the community context.