Steps in Intervention Research: Designing and Developing Social Programs

This article describes a 5-step model of intervention research. From lessons learned in our work, we develop an outline of core activities in designing and developing social programs. These include (a) develop problem and program theories; (b) design program materials and measures; (c) confirm and refine program components in efficacy tests; (d) test effectiveness in a variety of practice settings; and (e) disseminate program findings and materials. Last, using a risk and protective factor perspective, we discuss the adaptation of interventions for new settings and populations.