A second critical question is how apparent contradictions in carrying out CBPR and randomized community trials can be reconciled. We employed a particular set of strategies to attempt to reconcile the two approaches. Perhaps the most important strategic choice was to split the “community” responsibilities and inputs into three fairly distinct groups. The first was CADCA—and the coalitions it brought together with researchers in early meetings—which enabled identification of a key research question with both scientific and practical public health significance (the feasibility and effectiveness of a set of strategies to prevent teen drinking parties). The second was the CAB—which worked closely with WFSM and CADCA to design the study and seek funding and provide advice on recruitment of study coalitions and the design of the intervention. The third group was the coalitions that were ultimately selected to participate in the study, which had the major responsibility for implementation of the intervention. While this approach in many respects worked well, there are important questions about its generalizability and replicability. And some advocates of CBPR may question the allocation of responsibilities for “community” input to any groups other than the communities ultimately responsible for implementing the intervention.
