Blog | Evidence for Action

The Evidence for Action (E4A) Methods Blog is as an informal venue to explore complex methods challenges, with the intent of fostering interdisciplinary appreciation and championing evidence-based decision-making. Related to the blog, are the E4A Methods Notes, in depth explorations of various methods and topics. If there's a topic you'd like us to consider, email evidenceforaction@ucsf.edu.

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Running Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) in the Real World

August 30, 2020

While a variety of study designs can be used to estimate the population health impacts of social interventions, randomized control trials (RCTs) are uniquely well-suited to assess causal relationships between an intervention and outcomes.

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Who Benefits Most? The Importance of Identifying Whether Social Interventions Have Different Effects for Different People

July 24, 2020

Many social programs and policies may have larger benefits for some people but smaller benefits for other people or may even benefit one group, while harming another.

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Adapting Interventions: Asking (and Answering) the Right Questions

June 22, 2020

Population health problems are complex and “sticky,” often lacking an obvious or straightforward solution.

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Counting the Invisible: How Disparities Affect Sampling Methods Needed to Understand COVID-19

May 28, 2020

As policymakers across the country grapple with how to reopen local economies while still protecting the public’s health, many are looking to rapidly evolving evidence to mitigate risks.

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Food Security During a Pandemic and Beyond: How Research Can Support Action

April 23, 2020

Food security refers to the ability to access enough food for every member of one’s household at all times. National surveillance data show that overall, food security had been improving steadily since 2011, following the nation’s recovery from the Great Recession.

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