Meta-analysis of needs assessments

We conducted a meta-analysis of 65 documents addressing research needs related to climate change in order to identify common needs and gaps where needs have not been assessed. We collected needs assessments and associated documents through web searches and confirmed the list by speaking with local experts in different sectors.

To qualify, documents had to identify practical or policy-related climate change research needs in Alaska. Entities served by needs assessments included local and state government, federal agencies, state agencies and non-profits.

Existing documents were collected, imported into NVIVO, a qualitative data analysis software, reviewed, and then coded. We coded both for research needs and research approach.