Background Research

Once you have identified the alcohol-related issue your program intends to address and defined your program goal, the next step is to conduct background research to help inform and substantiate your desired program goal. This involves looking for available local data, reviewing existing programs that have attempted to achieve a similar goal, conducting a literature review, and gaining an understanding of the factors that may influence the success of your program.

Background research includes the important steps outlined below and described in more detail in the next few pages of the Guide:

• Find available data;
• Research existing programs;
• Explore relevant cultural factors;
• Identify potential obstacles and challenges;
• Consider potential unintended consequences.

A literature review, although seemingly academic, will help you find information that will be useful for these steps.