Research Methodologies
Custom Search Engines with Google
Submitted by Che on Nov 21, 2008 General Animal Protection | Research Tools and MethodsWith a share of about 60% of all online searches, Google is easily the world's most-used search engine. And I would say with good reason, because they offer a wide variety of topic-specific searches and the ability to create "custom search engines." HRC has now harnessed the power of Google by creating two custom search engines, one on farm animals searching sites related to the U.S. Department Agriculture and another that searches the abstracts and full texts of major animal-related journals. We're considering other custom search engine ideas and would also welcome suggestions.
Heisenberg in the Call Center
Submitted by Che on Nov 14, 2008 Research Tools and MethodsIn my last post, I noted that a major concern of researchers is that survey respondents are willing to provide opinions on issues about which they have little knowledge. This is one example of how the research process itself can influence our understanding of the people whose attitudes and behavior we are studying. The simple act of asking people questions becomes more complex when you consider that the respondent's opinion may not have existed prior to that person hearing the question.
The Art of Asking Questions
Submitted by Che on Nov 05, 2008 Research Tools and MethodsIn 1951, Stanley Payne wrote the landmark survey design book, "The Art of Asking Questions," which advocated for brevity, simplicity, and relevance when designing survey questions. It's always good to keep these and other principles in mind when planning your research. It's also important to understand that asking about opinions can overstate the degree to which people think about the subject of the interview. This is particularly important when addressing issues that are not "top of mind," like animal and environmental protection.
When is a Survey Not a Survey?
Submitted by Che on Oct 21, 2008 Research Tools and MethodsAt the Humane Research Council, we know a few things about conducting surveys to gauge public opinion or evaluate the impact of a campaign or program. We are also big believers in the power of surveys -- including online surveys -- when they are used correctly. A new article from Idealware provides an in-depth review of available online survey tools. To that we add a few of our own suggestions.
It's the (Animal) Economy, Stupid
Submitted by Che on Oct 07, 2008 Advocacy Strategies | General Animal Protection | Research Tools and MethodsThis past weekend I was one of the presenters at "Speaking Their Truth," the 23rd Annual International Compassionate Living Festival. The topic was economics as it applies to animal protection campaigns, and our panel covered a range of different issues relevant to economic matters. Here is a summary of my part of the presentation, which touched on capitalism, current global trends in animal consumption, and using economic data to measure the success of programs and campaigns for animals.
Figures Don't Lie But Liars Figure
Submitted on Jul 06, 2008 (Original item from 2008) Advocacy Strategies | Research Tools and Methods | Wildlife and Exotics
by
The interpretation of statistics may be misleading if not analyzed using comprehensive and standardized data. This article from the Coalition to Abolish Sport Hunting examines a handful of specific claims made in the fishing, hunting, and wildlife arenas.
Evaluation for Normal People (audio/podcast)
Submitted on Jun 20, 2008 Advocacy Strategies | General Animal Protection | Research Tools and Methods
by Stanford Social Innovation Review
Alana Conner, senior editor of the Stanford Social Innovation Review, describes the trials and tribulations of evaluating program effectiveness. An experimental social psychologist by training, she illustrates how many evaluation practices in the nonprofit sector may actually mislead funders and organizations. Although most programs would love to implement "Cadillac" evaluations, they can only afford "second-hand Yugos." Following Dr. Conner's talk, Rick Aubry, executive director of Rubicon Programs Inc., describes how his organization secured funding for a state-of-the-art evaluation system. [Abstract excerpted from website]
Information Management and the State of the Animals
Submitted by Che on Jan 30, 2008 Advocacy Strategies | Animal Experimentation | Companion Animals | Entertainment Animals | Farmed Animals | General Animal Protection | Research Tools and Methods | Vegetarianism and Veganism | Wildlife and ExoticsHRC's executive director, Che Green, weighs in on animal advocacy in the information age and "The State of the Animals"
Understanding Survey Bias
Submitted by Che on Jan 17, 2008 Advocacy Strategies | General Animal Protection | Research Tools and MethodsInformed researchers and survey readers should have at least a general understanding of the various forms of survey bias and error.
Understanding Survey Results
Submitted by Che on Dec 10, 2007 Advocacy Strategies | Research Tools and MethodsThe results produced by opinion surveys are easily misunderstood and sometimes intentionally misleading. Learn to identify the good, bad, and just plain ugly surveys.