The analysis of human needs is complicated by the different
spatial and temporal scales of analysis at which human needs
may be understood. One obvious level, of course, is the
individual. In order to gauge QOL on the basis of human
needs, measures of individual needs must be obtained.
Despite the fact that we are interested in objective measures
of human needs (e.g., caloric intake), often the most efficient
way to operationally define such needs is through self-report.
For some indicators, survey methodology is most appropriate
and generally provides reliable and valid information. For
example, surveys can assess the human need for security by
understanding who provides care in the case of acute illness.
For the security indicator of interpersonal violence, however,
personal, telephone, or mail intrusions are not appropriate.
Rather, research has shown that an in-depth structured
interview by an individual who has established a strong
trusting relationship with the interviewee is more likely to
produce truthful, valuable responses