What do we mean by Research?
Research means a lot of different things to different people and can take many forms. And all research is important. However, it's important for us to be clear about our research strategy at SAI and the type of research we do.
At SAI, our primary focus is on conducting applied and investigative research projects. While we do plan to conduct some academic research that is peer-reviewed and published, that is a secondary focus that will come more as we grow as an organization. We also plan to partner with organizations and professionals already conducting more academic research to share their findings with everyday Christians. However, the bulk of our research will be a more purpose-driven research approach that focuses primarily on applied and investigative studies.
SAI's Research Focus and Balance
The proposed balance of research for SAI will look like this:
- Publishing investigative reports, case studies, and white papers highlighting findings on spiritual abuse.
- Conducting surveys or interviews with survivors and church leaders to generate accessible insights.
- Creating resources like toolkits for survivors, church leaders, and communities.
- Developing awareness campaigns based on research findings.
- Collaborating with academic or professional researchers on peer-reviewed studies for long-term credibility and advocacy. (For example: Partnering with scholars to analyze larger datasets or trends.)
- Contributing to journals in psychology, sociology, or religious studies to reach professionals working with affected populations.
Why Prioritize Applied Research Over Academic Research?
AUDIENCE:
Our primary audience is the general public, faith communities, and local church leaders.
Non-peer-reviewed outputs like case studies, investigative reports, white papers, and practical guides are more accessible and easier for laypeople and congregations to understand. This format can raise awareness quickly and resonate deeply with those affected by spiritual abuse.
RESEARCH USE:
The primary goal of SAI's research is to provide immediate, actionable insights.
Non-peer-reviewed projects allow us to conduct and disseminate actionable research faster, which is critical for creating resources, improving practices, and supporting healing in real time. Spiritual abuse cases and church scandals are happening at record rates, so reform and proactive action are needed as soon as possible.
PRACTICALITY and FLEXIBILITY:
Sometimes, what is needed most from a study is not what is required for academic purposes.
Our work requires focus on context and time-sensitive issues that don’t always generalize well but are deeply impactful for specific groups and times. Such projects don’t always fit the scope of peer-reviewed journals but are vital to our mission. Focusing on applied and investigative research allows us a greater level of flexibility and practicality in gaining insight and solving problems regarding spiritual abuse.
RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS and STEWARDSHIP:
Peer-reviewed research requires significant time, expertise, and funding.
Non-peer-reviewed projects are often more cost-effective and manageable for smaller or newly established organizations like SAI.
For example, an applied research project with a white paper and practical toolkit could take 4-12 weeks to complete. The average academic peer-reviewed study takes 1-3 years, depending on the study and field. The peer review and publication time alone takes between 5 and 15 months on average.
So, given that information, we can accomplish more through applied research and white papers than publishing in academic journals. We can not only accomplish more, but accomplish it more often and for much less of a cost. As a donor-funded non-profit, applied research allows us to make the best use of donations. As we pursue academic research when necessary, we will work to do so through grants and earmarked donations whenever possible.
Commitments to Accuracy and Reliability
At SAI, we commit to the following with our research studies.
Clear Methodology and Research Design: For each study, we will include the research design for the project including: the objectives, methods, research questions, and scope of the study. This information will also include how data was collected and analyzed, and any challenges, potential biases, or conflicts of interest. The research design should allow another researcher to follow the same steps and duplicate the process.
Ethical Standards and Confidentiality: Particularly important if spiritual abuse victims are involved.
Fair Representation: Accurately reporting results (positive, negative, or inconclusive) without “cherry-picking” data.
Review by Experts and/or Stakeholder Feedback:
Even if not peer-reviewed in a formal academic journal, we will gather feedback and input from stakeholders, participants, and community members. We will also use internal and/or external expert reviews to validate the research when possible. These alternative review processes will serve to validate, refine, and improve the research.
Clear Reports:
For SAI research projects, we will publish publicly available white papers, case studies, and reports to clearly share our findings, as well as any relevant tools and resources paired with the findings.
* For any questions regarding our research approach, a specific study, or a collaboration request, please use our contact form with the subject: "RESEARCH."
Accountability
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