Research literacy-the ability to identify and evaluate what constitutes valid, meaningful evidence-is often treated as a concern for academics rather than practitioners. However, research literacy is the heart of evidence-based coaching, because while "cultivating learning and growth" is an ICF core competency, that claim only matters if we can demonstrate that learning and growth have actually occurred.
At the same time, coaches are now surrounded by assessments, dashboards, AI tools, "neuroscience-based" programs, and vendors promising transformation. Some of these tools are genuinely useful. Many are not. In a rapidly expanding and largely unregulated marketplace, marketing language often outpaces scientific substance-making it increasingly difficult to tell the difference between real evidence and persuasive storytelling.
Without the ability to critically evaluate claims, even highly skilled coaches can be left choosing tools, methods, and partners on faith, risking their client outcomes and ethical practice. Research literacy allows coaches to move beyond this uncertainty by recognizing when science is being used to inform versus when it is being used to sell.
In this session, Dr. Aaron Pomerantz, Assistant Director of Research and Evaluation at Rice University's Doerr Institute for New Leaders, explores how research literacy empowers coaches to protect themselves from pseudoscience and engage in informed, ethical, and defensible practice.
Participants will leave with:
- A Coach's Evidence Checklist for evaluating assessments, AI tools, and vendor claims
- A Measurement Map for linking coaching goals to appropriate forms of data
- A Red-Flag Guide for identifying unreliable, manipulative, or pseudo-scientific measurement
- A Claim-Testing Framework for deciding whether a tool or program actually demonstrates impact
About the speakers:
Dr. Aaron Pomerantz is Assistant Director of Research and Evaluation at Rice University’s Doerr Institute for New Leaders. His research examines how culture and ideology shape what people see as good leadership—and how those same forces can lead individuals and groups to support beliefs and behaviors that harm themselves and others. He also studies how leadership and personal development can be built in concrete, measurable ways, helping organizations move beyond intuition to evidence-based practice.
Attendance details:
Our events are open to everyone—come join the fun and learning!
- FREE for ICF Local (Austin) Members, Affiliates, and ICF Texas Chapter Members
- $25 for ICF Global Members and non-local ICF members
- $25 for guests and non-members
