3.3 The Evidence Pyramid

The Evidence Pyramid is a discussion object that provides Evidence Café participants with a way to classify evidence using their depth of analysis. It can be useful in working on migration issues because it is visually simple and quite intuitive. But this does not mean you can only use the Evidence Pyramid as a discussion object when examining migration. It also allows participants to understand the translation of raw migration data into useful information that could lead to knowledge and insights on how to improve migration practices. This discussion object includes different types of evidence from research to migration processes and personal migrant experiences. However, it must be remembered that it is only usually research data that is turned into research knowledge, often because of limited expertise and time for the analysis process.

The Evidence Pyramid (Figure 3.1) can be used in a collaborative exercise to categorise evidence collected from different viewpoints:

  1. Multiple voices then place their understanding on a joint data map (numbers or captured verbal accounts/images)
  2. How much data has been turned into information (through identifying meaning attached to that data)?
  3. What knowledge has been developed (understanding, theory, frameworks)?

The activity needs to be collaborative, around a collective discussion object (i.e. a printed version of the evidence pyramid). Frequently this is enacted through Post-It notes attached to a representation of the triangle.

With migration, there is an additional issue of access to data for analysis, to extract information and then knowledge. For example, many immigration records are not openly available, and the data is often incomplete, poorly captured and thus likely to be inaccurate and corrupted. Data sharing within migration studies therefore becomes a major issue when developing good quality information and knowledge to enable effective migration solutions; something we discuss in more detail in the next Unit.

Activity 3.1 Evidence Pyramid

Timing: Allow 20 minutes

Part 1

Look at the three pieces of evidence and place them onto the Evidence Pyramid according to the definitions above as data, information or knowledge. Once you have finished, click 'submit'. You can try as many times as you like.

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Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).

Part 2

  1. Now, review the difference between data, information and knowledge and how easy it is to identify migration data, information or knowledge. Do you think this relates to the quantities of migration data and limited migration knowledge?
  2. Then, reflect upon how the translation of data to knowledge could be enabled using an Evidence Café. Think about bringing together the different stakeholders who have the power to support access to and development of, migration data into knowledge?

Now that you have reviewed in more depth how to categorise evidence, you need to understand how to share this understanding between different stakeholders. Discussion objects (introduced in Section 2.2 and discussed in more detail in this Unit) provide a useful way of enabling and supporting communication between different stakeholders. Activity 3.2 looks at this in more detail.

Activity 3.2 Review the role of a discussion object

Timing: Allow 20 minutes

Part1

From your own experiences, consider objects or resources that you have used as discussion points and help share understanding. Below are some ideas that you may have experienced. Consider these and your own ideas.

  • The use of mind maps in a workshop.
  • A board game that you and your family/friends are playing together.
  • A puzzle that you and your family/friends are completing together.
  • A cooking recipe that you and your family/friends are making together.

Part 2

Now read page 3 of The Open University's Evidence Cafés: A how-to guide [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]   booklet. Consider the section on discussion objects in relation to your own experiences of using an object to share understanding.

3.2 Evidence Cafés and discussion objects

Summary