normsfound

NormsFound is a research initiative and data platform dedicated to measuring and interpreting social norms across communities. It collects, curates, and analyzes data on normative beliefs and practices to inform policy, program design, and communication strategies. The project emphasizes transparency in methodology and aims to support evidence-based decision making for public and private sector partners.

NormsFound was established in 2016 by a team of social scientists and data engineers, including Dr. Maya Chen and Dr. Samuel Ortiz, through collaborations between universities and public-sector organizations. The initiative is headquartered in Boston and maintains international partnerships to enable cross-cultural comparisons and regional analyses.

The platform uses mixed methods to build its datasets, including national and regional surveys, field experiments, and qualitative interviews. These data are processed through an anonymized pipeline, with strong emphasis on privacy and ethical governance. Participants opt in, and all identifying information is removed prior to publication. Methodologies and limitations are documented in public reports to support replication and critique.

NormsFound offers a suite of products and services, such as the Norms Database, an API for researchers and practitioners, and visualization dashboards that illustrate normative trends over time. It publishes quarterly NormsWatch briefs on topics ranging from health behaviors and environmental practices to technology adoption and civic engagement. The organization also partners with universities, NGOs, and government agencies on collaborative projects.

Impact and reception of NormsFound vary. The data are cited in behavioral science research and used by policymakers to tailor interventions. Some critiques point to challenges in cross-cultural comparability and potential sampling biases, underscoring the need for ongoing methodological refinement. See also: social norms, behavioral science, data ethics.