Slowing Down the Scientific Method: A Practical Guide for Non-Scientists
In community-based work, data is an essential component for making informed decisions. But too often, we end up telling ourselves that we don’t have enough data, or the right data, or we might even be overwhelmed with too much data, and all of these situations lead us to decision paralysis. Whether we are general data leaders, researchers, or evaluators driven by tight deadlines, limited resources, or the pressure to produce immediate results, we can use intentional processes that get us to informed decisions. Slowing down can actually lead to better outcomes.
That’s the focus of a new white paper we co-authored with the Behavioral Science Research Institute (BSRI): Slowing Down the Scientific Method for Non-Scientists. This resource is designed for professionals who use data in their work—whether you’re in government, academia, philanthropy, or directly serving communities.
Why This Paper?
We know that good data, research, and evaluation doesn’t just happen in labs. It happens in neighborhoods, nonprofits, and agencies working to transform their communities. But navigating the data process—defining the right questions, gathering quality data, and making sense of the results—can be challenging. This paper offers a practical roadmap for slowing down and being more intentional at every step.
What You’ll Find Inside:
Defining Your Research Question – Before jumping into data collection, we emphasize the importance of clearly identifying what you need to know.
Developing Your Data Collection Strategy – Tips on designing surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other tools that actually yield useful insights.
Analyzing Data – Whether working with numbers or themes, we break down how to interpret your findings effectively.
Sharing Your Findings – Guidance on communicating results in a way that drives action.
Using the Latest Tools & Tech – A look at products and platforms that can enhance your research process.
A Collaborative Effort
This was our first time collaborating organization-to-organization with BSRI, and their expertise, combined with 1000 Feathers’ commitment to practical, community-driven solutions, made this an exciting project. We believe that by taking the time to engage thoughtfully with data, we can bridge the gap between data and real-world impact. If you work with data in any capacity—whether as a researcher, strategist, evaluator, or advocate—we encourage you to download the full white paper here. Let’s slow down the process together and make our work even more effective.
