Research is an important component of critical thinking. When using research to make or test an idea we need to pay attention because not all research is created equal. The outcomes of randomized control studies carry more weight than individual experience reports. 

My editor suggested investigating the John Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice model for Levels of Evidence. The model provides a framework to weigh different types of evidence. The strongest evidence yields better decisions. The model’s authors recommend seeking the highest level of evidence available. 

In this podcast, Keis Kostaqi returns with her You Are Not Alone column. In this installment, Keis discusses the impact of words and phrases on behavior and attitudes.

Re-Read Saturday News

Today we focus on stories. Chapter 6 of Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die completes the journey through the six attributes that make ideas sticky. A quick definition of a story from ChatGPT is “ a narrative that presents a sequence of events or experiences.” Stories present us with how we overcome challenges, make connections, and the impact of experiments. They link people and emotions and are a fixture of human culture since the dawn of time. In very stark terms, stories are a source of wisdom and power.

Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the re-read:

Week 1: Announcement and Logistics – https://bit.ly/46tn5Bz 

Week 2: Introduction – https://bit.ly/46CLmp1 

Week 3: Simple – https://bit.ly/3PZLWaq 

Week 4: Unexpected – https://bit.ly/43zfkaB 

Week 5: Concrete – https://bit.ly/3qcn1Gg 

Week 6: Credible – https://bit.ly/3Yo9aJo 

Week 7: Emotional – https://bit.ly/3QCAQbx 

Week 8: Stories – https://bit.ly/3sbk2yp 

Next SPaMCAST 

In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 770 will feature our interview with Ahmed Wasfy. We will discuss his model of leadership and his Effective Leadership Playbook. We talk about what it takes to chart a leadership career.