This article describes and addresses the challenges researchers face when utilizing natural experimental studies to evaluate changes to the retail food environment. Through the use of case studies, the article describes strategies and approaches for overcoming these challenges. The challenges are divided into categories of: 1) study design and analysis; 2) selection of participants, selection of measure, and obtainment of data; and 3) real-world considerations. Advantages and disadvantages to each approach are provided. Consideration of these challenges and best practices can minimize bias and ensure natural experimental studies effectively assess the impact of policies and programs on food access, availability, and intake for use by stakeholders, policymakers, and food retailers.
Published: November 2017
ID #: 1098
Journal: Nutr Rev
Authors: Taillie L, Grummon A, Fleischhacker S, Grigsby-Toussaint D, Leone L, Caspi C
Keywords: Corner store, Farmers' markets, Grocery store, Supermarket
Focus Area: Food Retail
Resource Type: Journal Article
Related Research
April 2022
A click too far from fresh foods: A mixed methods comparison of online and in-store grocery behaviors among low-income households
A recent policy in the U.S. authorized monthly benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to be used online to increase grocery access and promote healthy eating. This study examined online grocery attitudes and purchasing behaviors among low-income SNAP-eligible households with young children with and without online grocery experience. An explanatory sequential mixed methods MoreApril 2022
Food Marketing Practices of Major Online Grocery Retailers in the United States, 2019-2020
Food marketing influences consumers’ preferences for and selection of marketed products. Although a substantial body of research has described food-marketing practices in brick-and-mortar stores, no research has examined food marketing in online grocery retail despite its growing importance as a source of food-at-home purchases. This study aimed to develop and apply a coding instrument to MoreApril 2022