Linking measures to mechanisms of action: An expert opinion study

This study sought to integrate the NIH Science of Behaviour Change (SOBC) measures repository comprising measures of putative mechanisms with mechanisms of action (MoA) identified by the Human Behaviour-Change Project (HBCP).

Participants were 30 international experts recruited from professional networks and societies. In three anonymous virtual rounds, experts established consensus on hypothesized links between 26 MoAs and 44 self-report measures.

In Round 1, experts completed a survey rating agreement with 84 pre-identified measure-MoA links and suggested new links. In Round 2, experts discussed 10 links in an online forum, including pre-identified links with <50% agreement and new links suggested by 20-50% of experts. In Round 3, experts completed a survey rating all links eligible for discussion in Round 2.

Twenty-seven experts completed Round 1, 23 completed Round 2 and 18 completed Round 3. In Round 1, 82 of 84 pre-identified links reached >50% agreement and 14 new links were suggested by >50% of experts. In Round 2, experts discussed measure-MoA links and measurement quality. In Round 3, 71 of 96 links reached ≥50% agreement. A total of 167 links reached >50% expert agreement, 33 of which reached ≥90% agreement.

By identifying putative mechanisms (HBCP) for the 44 self-report measures (SOBC), this study advances the cumulation of scientific results and interoperability of resources to facilitate process research.