Conducting Studies of the Issue

What do we mean by conducting studies of the issue? A study is the process of gathering information for a specific purpose. You want to study the issue as fully as possible and identify opinions, facts, and information about historical events that can be used to help you choose your tactics. 2

Why would you want to conduct studies of the issue? With extensive knowledge about the issue, it will be easier to identify your options, opponents, and allies. It will help group members get involved in the issue and doing something important. It will help strengthen your group's resolve. It will increase your group's credibility. With specific knowledge, you can present your arguments more forcefully and effectively. Both doing and communicating the results of well-rounded studies will increase your likelihood of success. 3

How do you conduct studies of the issue? Document the issue using existing data. Generate new data. Guidelines for collecting data: Use data from official sources only. Check your numbers, then check them again. If possible, don't rely on outside "experts" to analyze data Keep figures simple. Try to show change over time. Use the most recent data you can get. Always try to use data that show how some intervention will make a difference. 4

In Summary Remember to check and double check when your work is done, and never use a fact or figure that hasn't been checked and re-checked. Far better to use no figures at all than to present some that can be shot down in minutes. 5