Resistance to Adoption of Best Practices

Dan Sholler, Sara Stoudt, Chris Kennedy, Fernando Hoces de la Guardia, Francois Lanusse, Karthik Ram, Kellie Ottoboni, Marla Stuart, Maryam Vareth, Nelle Varoquaux, Rebecca Barter, R. Stuart Geiger, Scott Peterson, Stéfan van der Walt

SocArXiv
March 12, 2019

Abstract: There are many recommendations of “best practices” for those doing data science, data-intensive research, and research in general. These documents usually present a particular vision of how people should work with data and computing, recommending specific tools, activities, mechanisms, and sensibilities. However, implementation of best (or better) practices in any setting is often met with resistance from individuals and groups, who perceive some drawbacks to the proposed changes to everyday practice. We offer some definitions of resistance, identify the sources of researchers’ hesitancy to adopt new ways of working, and describe some of the ways resistance is manifested in data science teams. We then offer strategies for overcoming resistance based on our group members’ experiences working alongside resistors or resisting change themselves. Our discussion concluded with many remaining questions left to tackle, some of which are listed at the end of this piece.

Recommended citation: Recommended citation: Dan Sholler, Sara Stoudt, Chris Kennedy, Fernando Hoces de la Guardia, François Lanusse, Karthik Ram, Kellie Ottoboni, Marla Stuart, Maryam Vareth, Nelle Varoquaux, Rebecca Barter, R. Stuart Geiger, Scott Peterson, and Stéfan van der Walt. “Resistance to Adoption of Best Practices.” BIDS Best Practices in Data Science Series. Berkeley Institute for Data Science: Berkeley, California. 2019. doi:10.31235/osf.io/qr8cz



Featured Fellows

Sara Stoudt

Statistics
BIDS Alum - Data Science Fellow

Chris Kennedy

Biostatistics
BIDS Alum – Data Science Fellow

François Lanusse

BCCP, FODA Institute
BIDS Alum – DATA SCIENCE FELLOW

Karthik Ram

Senior Research Data Scientist

Kellie Ottoboni

Statistics
BIDS Alum – DATA SCIENCE FELLOW

Marla Stuart

Social Welfare
BIDS Alum - DATA SCIENCE FELLOW

Maryam Vareth

Health and Life Sciences Lead

Nelle Varoquaux

Statistics
BIDS Alum - DATA SCIENCE FELLOW

Rebecca Barter

Statistics
BIDS Alum – Data Science Fellow

R. Stuart Geiger

BIDS Alum – ETHNOGRAPHER

Stéfan van der Walt

Senior Research Data Scientist