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The Social Construction of ``Evidence-Based'' Drug Prevention Programs

Author

Listed:
  • Dennis M. Gorman

    (Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, gorman@srph.tamhsc.edu)

  • J. Charles Huber Jr

    (Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health)

Abstract

This study explores the possibility that any drug prevention program might be considered ``evidence-based'' given the use of data analysis procedures that optimize the chance of producing statistically significant results by reanalyzing data from a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program evaluation. The analysis produced a number of statistically significant differences between the DARE and control conditions on alcohol and marijuana use measures. Many of these differences occurred at cutoff points on the assessment scales for which post hoc meaningful labels were created. Our results are compared to those from evaluations of programs that appear on evidence-based drug prevention lists.

Suggested Citation

  • Dennis M. Gorman & J. Charles Huber Jr, 2009. "The Social Construction of ``Evidence-Based'' Drug Prevention Programs," Evaluation Review, , vol. 33(4), pages 396-414, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:evarev:v:33:y:2009:i:4:p:396-414
    DOI: 10.1177/0193841X09334711
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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