CPS Communication 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which element is most critical when writing a grant proposal narrative?
- Using the maximum allowed word count
- Clearly linking the problem statement, program model, and expected outcomes (Correct answer)
- Including extensive biographical information about staff
- Referencing the funder's previous grants
Correct answer: Clearly linking the problem statement, program model, and expected outcomes
A logical connection between the problem, the intervention, and measurable outcomes is the backbone of a persuasive grant narrative.
Question 2: When using social norms messaging in prevention, the goal is to:
- Exaggerate negative behaviors to shock the audience into change
- Correct misperceptions by communicating accurate data about peer behavior (Correct answer)
- Focus exclusively on individuals with the highest risk
- Avoid discussing behavior altogether
Correct answer: Correct misperceptions by communicating accurate data about peer behavior
Social norms approaches correct inflated misperceptions of peer risk behavior, which research shows reduces problematic behavior.
Question 3: A CPS professional needs to communicate a program outcome report to a community coalition. Which format is most appropriate?
- A dense academic paper with extensive footnotes
- A visually clear executive summary with key data highlights (Correct answer)
- An informal email with bullet points only
- A verbal presentation without supporting materials
Correct answer: A visually clear executive summary with key data highlights
Executive summaries with visual highlights quickly convey key findings to busy community stakeholders who need actionable information.
Question 4: In prevention education, 'teach-back' is a technique used to:
- Have the educator repeat information multiple times
- Have the learner explain information back to confirm understanding (Correct answer)
- Test learners with a formal written examination
- Assign homework for reinforcement
Correct answer: Have the learner explain information back to confirm understanding
Teach-back confirms whether participants truly understood the information by asking them to restate it in their own words.
Question 5: Which approach best addresses communication barriers with low-literacy populations?
- Provide written materials at a college reading level
- Use plain language, visuals, and verbal explanation to supplement text (Correct answer)
- Assume comprehension if participants nod along
- Reduce information provided to avoid overwhelming participants
Correct answer: Use plain language, visuals, and verbal explanation to supplement text
Plain language combined with visuals and verbal support ensures key messages are accessible to people with limited literacy skills.
Question 6: A prevention specialist is writing a press release about a community event. Which element should appear first?
- A detailed program history
- The most newsworthy information in the opening paragraph (Correct answer)
- Contact information for all stakeholders
- A quote from the program director
Correct answer: The most newsworthy information in the opening paragraph
Press releases follow the inverted pyramid format, leading with the most important information to capture the editor's attention immediately.
Question 7: What is the primary risk of using fear-based messaging in substance use prevention campaigns?
- It is too expensive to produce
- It can backfire by increasing curiosity or desensitizing the audience (Correct answer)
- It complies with SAMHSA guidelines which prohibit it
- It requires a licensed therapist to deliver
Correct answer: It can backfire by increasing curiosity or desensitizing the audience
Research shows extreme fear appeals can cause reactance or desensitization, undermining the prevention message's effectiveness.
CPS Communication 3
Which element is most critical when writing a grant proposal narrative?