Evidence Ratings

Evidence rating

Summary

To help you evaluate the resources listed on the Positive Choices portal, we provide information about who developed the resources, and the evidence that supports the resource.

Resource Overview

What do the Evidence Ratings mean?

An evidence rating is provided for all resources and tells users about the research that supports the accuracy or effectiveness of the resource.

Medal icons indicate that there is evidence (either from research or peer review) to support the resource. Resources with the strongest evidence rating (platinum medal) are those with the most evidence to support their effectiveness.


Platinum medal: This resource has been tested in schools and shown to change student’s alcohol and drug use behaviour and/or associated harm[1]. This is supported by multiple randomised controlled trials. A systematic review across multiple programs has concluded there is good evidence of program effectiveness.


Gold medal: This resource has been tested in schools and shown to change student’s alcohol and drug use behaviour and/or associated harm[1]. This is supported by multiple (2+) published research studies.


Silver medal: This resource has been tested in schools and shown to change student’s drug use behaviour and/or associated harm[1]. This is supported by only 1 published research study.


Bronze medal (factsheet): This factsheet was informed by the current research and has undergone expert review. Bronze is the highest possible rating for a factsheet, because it provides information but doesn’t directly target alcohol and drug use behaviour and/or associated harm. However, applying the strategies and advice in this factsheet may lead to changes in teenagers’ alcohol and drug use behaviour and/or associated harm. To learn more about changing behaviour check out  our recommended programs and School-based drug and alcohol prevention: What works?

Bronze medal (resource): This resource has undergone expert review in-house at the Matilda Centre, University of Sydney. The resource has been informed by evidence but has not been evaluated in a research trial to test whether the resource itself impacts on alcohol and drug use behaviour and/or associated harm. To learn more about changing behaviour check out our recommended programs and School-based drug and alcohol prevention: What works?

[1] This can include increased knowledge.