New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service Home Economists\u27 Perceived Technical Knowledge and Estimated Client Needs

The study reported here determined the differences between New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service Home Economics agents\u27 perceived technical knowledge and client needs for 144 Family and Consumer Sciences concepts. Data were collected using mailed questionnaires to all agents. Follow-up procedures resulted in a 94% return rate. For 71 of the concepts, respondents felt their knowledge exceeded client needs; for 67 of the concepts, respondents felt client needs exceeded their knowledge. Analysis of variance found no differences for participants by years of employment. Data indicated a need for agent information in some critical areas that will influence future pre-service and in-service education