Presentation

Last updated: February 24, 2015.

Consider data sources and communication.

Data Sources

Fundamental aspect of empirical research in social science. (Also physical science, but difficulties are different.)

Data may not be trustworthy.
- People forget.
- People don't measure, they estimate or perceive.
- Technical statistical issues:
  - Sample selection issues (choice; correlation with unobserved influences).
  - Sample size.
Data must correspond to the theme.
- Macro (social flows) vs. micro (individual choice).
- Role alignment (e.g., demand-side vs. supply-side in industry).
- Behavior (choice) vs. performance (outcome).
Measurement: cause -> effect.

If the cause increases, so does the effect in some proportion, but how much of each affects cost and performance, and the coefficient is important for prediction.
- Measurement can result in values, changes, orders, or mere a judgment of "sameness".
  - Values include things like money, price, and order quantity.
  - Changes are things like speed or growth rates.
  - Ordering: "bigger", "preferred".
  - "Sameness": red vs. blue.

Listener comes first!!

Repeating your words doesn't work.

Listeners hear you, but don't connect your words (which they understand) to your meaning (which they don't).
People understand things in different ways ("Satir's sensory modes"). Prepare multiple explanations, and examples in different sensory modes:
- visual, audible, tactile, (smell), (taste).

Listeners make assumptions.

They expect you to say what they expect to hear. "Cognitive dissonance." Speak to the audience's expertise.
- E.g., profs assume you took their class.
  - And remember what they taught!
- Study your AG's research!

So read, Read, READ!