Research Tools and Methods
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"
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.
Case Study: The Handsel Foundation
Submitted on Dec 04, 2007 Advocacy Strategies | Companion Animals | General Animal Protection | Research Tools and MethodsThe Handsel Foundation is a small private foundation working to end the ill treatment and overpopulation of companion animals. Beginning in May 2006, HRC conducted three phases of research for the Handsel Foundation ("Handsel") related to grant-making effectiveness.
How the Market for Animal-Friendly Food Products Works
Submitted on Dec 01, 2007 Diet and Nutrition | General Animal Protection | Research Tools and Methods | Vegetarianism and Veganism
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A brief description of "animal welfare" as a marketing term, used by retailers to protect and differentiate their brands and products, discusses the three basic retailing dynamics of "brand management," "innovation with supply chains," and "limitations to supply and demand."
