An evaluation and comparison of the Horowhenua and Tararua Community Alcohol Action Programmes (CAAP) : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University

Abstract

In New Zealand, Community Alcohol Action Programmes (CAAP) have emerged to address the high number of alcohol-related road injuries and fatalities. The present study is an evaluation and comparison of the Horowhenua and Tararua CAAP programmes. Subjects (n=175) from several different groups within these communities were interviewed and observational studies of licensed premises (n=36) were used to collect data. Statistical analysis (chi-square) was conducted to see whether one programme had been more successful in meeting its aims and objectives than the other. Few statistically significant differences were found indicating that the programmes were on the whole similar. However, prior to the commencement of this piece of research, a number of potential problems concerning the evaluations were identified. These relate mainly to the fact that the evaluation of the programmes had not been planned for before they were implemented. It was concluded that the citizens involved in community action programmes often have little awareness of research design and evaluation. This can limit the utility of such programmes and make it difficult to draw valid or reliable conclusions concerning their efficacy.