Research Tools and Methods
Just for Fun -- Charts from GraphJam.com
Submitted by Che on Aug 16, 2008 General Animal Protection | Research Tools and MethodsThese blog posts usually deal with some weighty (and hopefully thought-provoking) issues relating to animal protection, but this one is really just for fun. The good folks at GraphJam.com have collected some interesting graphics and depicting some inane observations about popular culture.
Do the Purists Know Something We Don't?
Submitted by Che on Aug 05, 2008 Advocacy Strategies | General Animal Protection | Research Tools and MethodsA new report from the World Wildlife Fund says that successful social movements are "unequivocal in articulating what (they) stand for." It may seem like a fairly innocuous statement, but at the root of it rests one of the most fundamental questions facing social change advocates. Namely, if one's messages must always adhere to a specific set of core values. For animal advocates, this includes whether or not it is legitimate to use non-animal reasons to motivate animal-friendly behavior.
The Animal Tracker (Wave 1 - June 2008)
Submitted on Jul 07, 2008 Animal Experimentation | Companion Animals | Diet and Nutrition | Entertainment Animals | Farmed Animals | General Animal Protection | Research Tools and Methods | Vegetarianism and Veganism | Wildlife and Exotics
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This report summarizes results from Wave 1 of the Humane Research Council's "Animal Tracker" survey of U.S. adults regarding their attitudes and behavior toward animals. This inaugural survey of 16 core questions shows strong support for the protection of all animals. The strength of that support varies by situation and species, however, and actual behavior does not always reflect the favorable attitudes identified.
Figures Don't Lie But Liars Figure
Submitted on Jul 06, 2008 Advocacy Strategies | Research Tools and Methods | Wildlife and Exotics
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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.
The Power of Tracking Studies
Submitted by Che on Jul 01, 2008 Advocacy Strategies | General Animal Protection | Research Tools and MethodsA survey of public opinion can be very informative, but it covers only a snapshot in time. Without the ability to compare and contrast results over years, even decades, it’s difficult to know if the results were influenced by external factors (e.g., a major news item). With tracking studies, however, the results are more like a video than a snapshot. Tracking polls provide consistency, comparability, and context for otherwise isolated data – and that means more meaningful results for advocates.
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]
Companion Animal Statistics, Everything You Did Not Think You Needed to Know as a Shelter Director
Submitted on May 31, 2008 Companion Animals | General Animal Protection | Research Tools and Methods
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This report compiles various estimates of dog and cat populations, focusing on data from the American Association of Pet Product Manufacturers (APPMA). The research provides estimates of 72 million dogs and 82 million cats in U.S. households, with about 60% of all households having dogs and cats.
The Balanced Scorecard and Nonprofit Organizations
Submitted on Apr 20, 2008 Advocacy Strategies | General Animal Protection | Research Tools and Methods
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By adopting strategic performance measures, nonprofits can bring focus and discipline to their mission and much-needed information to donors and supporting organizations. The result: a more efficient marketplace that rewards effectiveness, thereby bringing bigger benefits to society. And in the post-Enron era, the stewardship and accountability that the Balanced Scorecard can help nonprofits achieve is just as relevant to the private sector as it is to the public sector. [Excerpted from article]
A Word to the Wise
Submitted by Che on Mar 04, 2008 Advocacy Strategies | General Animal Protection | Research Tools and MethodsWhen public perception matters -- and when doesn't it? -- the words you choose and the tone you use can be more important than the truth you're speaking.
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"