Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Evaluation Primer on Health Risk Communication Programs

Whom To Include in Review and Pretesting

(AED, JHU, and PN 1993)

There are four groups to consider for pretesting and review.

1. Target Audience
   • To identify current knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to the subject to identify whether and what kind of new information is needed
   • To identify myths and misconceptions about the topic
   • To assure appeal, appropriateness, understanding, clarity, and personal relevance of materials
   • To check for comprehension and cultural appropriateness
2. External Experts
   • To verify appropriateness of materials based on proven models and theories of communication
   • To verify accuracy and appropriateness of information in the materials
3. Gatekeepers (e.g., print and broadcast media, religious leaders, political and legal groups, legislators, and other key policy- and decisionmakers)
   • To assure that they will support, not block, use of materials
   • To increase "ownership" of the materials
   • To identify problems based on gatekeepers' experiences with the target audience. If any problems are identified, they should be verified through pretesting directly with the target audience
4. Clearance officials
   • To obtain approvals prior to printing

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