Frequently Asked Questions

1. If these low-cost prevention strategies are so good, how come more people don’t know about them?
   The low-cost or no-cost means that there are few incentives to sell them, unlike expensive prescription drugs or programs.
2. Are the research studies on evidence-based kernels available from scientific journals?
   Yes, and they are in medicine, psychology, life sciences, public health, social work, epidemiology, education and more. The website (www.paxtalk.com/simplegifts) has much of this literature.
3. Do the researchers of the evidence-based kernels have financial interests in their spread (conflicts of interest)?
   Very rarely, often because the results have been widely replicated by different investigators.
4. Do kernels require lots of training in dose and fidelity to be effective?
   Generally, not.
5. Have all recommended kernels been evaluated in controlled studies?
   Yes.
6. Can kernels be added to existing programs and practices?
   Absolutely.
7. Can kernels be combined for bigger or broader impact?
   Yes, and it is recommended.
8. Can kernels be mixed and matched across age groups or settings?
   Certainly, and that is part of the “multi-level” thinking.
9. Do kernels compete against evidence-based programs?
   No more than tooth brushing and flossing reduce the need for dentistry. Kernels work well with programs, enhance programs, operate when there is no documented program, and provide the much needed efficacy when programs are not economic, feasible or do not apply.
10. Can kernels be analyzed with logic models?
    Yes, of course.
11. Can kernels be measured more easily than most programs?
    Yes, because they produce immediate or short-term benefits that most people can see, hear, or feel.
12. Can the effects of kernels be measured with traditional evaluation tools?
    Yes. In most cases can be measured by student, teacher, or parent surveys/reports. They can often be measured by direct observation, and by archival data already collected by communities, schools, counties and states.
13. How can you show kernels work locally without a huge evaluation budget?
    Through something called “interrupted time-series designs” that are highly practical, easy to understand, and are effective.
14. Are these low-cost prevention strategies listed in the various registries of best practices?
    In some cases, and sometimes not. It takes time, people and money to register such things beyond the original published research.
15. Can local communities and coalitions mobilize kernels?
    Yes, that is idea.
16. How can kernels be funded?
    The fact that most kernels are no-cost or low-cost means prevention can often be done differently—everyday—in community organizations, businesses or government agencies with no change in funding. If additional resources are needed, they are small.