Why is data crucial to saving pets’ lives? “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it,” said Found Animals Foundation executive director Aimee Gilbreath, quoting the famous Peter Drucker during her session at the 2016 Best Friends National Conference.
Understanding that data analysis can be overwhelming, Gilbreath broke her presentation into a step-by-step process:
- Collect and validate
- Analyze
- Interpret and act
However, she said, t’s not as straightforward as that. Gilbreath dove into more specific steps on collecting and analyzing data, pointing out there are a few key things to remember before you even start collecting:
- GIGO: This stands for “Garbage in, garbage out,” meaning, your analysis is only as good as the data you start with. “Accurate data collection is key.”
- Anecdote vs. data: You also need to understand the difference between anecdotes and data. Your brain prefers anecdote, but it’s the data that will help you build programs to maximize lifesaving.
- Cognitive bias: We have to understand how the human brain works in order to analyze data effectively. “Cognitive bias,” she said, “is the tendency for our brains to acquire and process information through one’s own likes, dislikes and experiences.” In other words: “Your brain plays tricks on you.”
Watch Gilbreath’s full presentation, “Data Power: How to Get it, How to Use it to Save Lives,” to see step-by-step how to collect and analyze data, and most importantly, how to use it to make an impact in your community!