Gatekeeper Review

jump over navigation bar[Description] [Pros] [Cons] [Common Uses] [Resources]

Description

The appropriateness of draft program materials for a target audience is assessed by individuals who can facilitate, complicate, or deny access to target populations (e.g.: those who control distribution channels). Gatekeeper commitment may be necessary to ensure that a program will be implemented as planned.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Can help obtain support or "buy in" for your program
  • Can ensure and smooth access to target populations

Cons

  • Can cause setbacks if major revisions are needed (project staff can plan ahead and use formative research to avoid this)
  • Obtaining cooperation and getting priority attention can be challenging if gate keepers are not especially invested in the population

Common Uses

  • Ensure that messages will be disseminated and program plans carried out by obtaining gatekeeper approval prior to program dissemination
  • Obtain "buy in" from influential people who control distribution channels
  • Ensure that products conform to gatekeeper agency policies and goals (e.g., television station regulations for PSAs)

Resources

There are no on-line resources that exemplify this data collection method.