ABSTRACT
Those tasked with changing health behaviors can draw upon many different methods to help them to develop and test their health behavior interventions. In this chapter, we overview and critique a large range of methods including surveys/questionnaires, observation, experimental methods including randomized trials with different trial types (parallel, crossover, stepped wedge), feasibility studies, pilot studies, consensus methods, N-of-1, megastudies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, intervention synthesis and qualitative approaches. We also consider issues and processes around online data collection methods; risk of bias/study quality; study reporting; intervention development and evaluation; adapting interventions to new contexts; co-creation, co-design and co-production; intervention acceptability and implementing interventions in the real world. The replicability crisis is also examined, highlighting potential causes and solutions.
