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Data analysis is a tricky endeavor, especially for those coming from disciplines
outside of statistics and applied mathematics. However, with adequate standards and
a basis for understanding the fundamental elements of data analysis, the human
rights community can hold itself to rigorous and respectable standards.
The human rights community can uphold rigorous standards by:
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Accurately identifying the size and scope of the problem area, whether beginning
with problem definitions (such as trafficking, police violence) or beginning
with the issue of specific rights transgressions.
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Standardizing definitions of various terms, problem areas, and analytical frameworks.
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Holding all human rights organizations to the same scientific standards.
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Continually educating advocates and practitioners about the data gathering
and analysis process.
Bringing rigorous data analysis into the human rights community may involve some creativity.
Through conferences, the Measurement & Human Rights Program has facilitatied discussions
of innovative ways of collecting data and triangulating information.
The Measurement & Human Rights Program seeks to fill the empty niche of an impartial,
academic institution that can set data analysis standards and facilitate their
implementation.
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