Unbiased research is a myth | SL Rao | #66
UX Research Geeks9 Joulu 2025

Unbiased research is a myth | SL Rao | #66

👉 AI in UX research report: https://blog.uxtweak.com/ai-in-ux-research-revisited/


SL Rao (she/them) unpack why bias is unavoidable in research and why the idea of complete objectivity is largely a myth. Drawing on examples from education, public policy, and systems design, SL explain how bias shows up in who we recruit, how we interpret data, and how solutions often reinforce existing power structures. SL also explains how to help communities to conduct their own research through participatory approaches and power-sharing.


👉 If you have any tips on fantastic speakers from across the globe, feedback, or any questions, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to geekspodcast@uxtweak.com


🔎 Do you want to know more? Check out this episode at:

https://www.uxtweak.com/podcast/sl-rao-bias-in-research


Episode highlights

00:01:40 - About SL

00:04:08 - Why is all research biased?

00:07:23 - Examples of how people bring bias into research

00:11:32 - Is some research better than none?

00:16:49 - Recruitment and empowering communities

00:22:59 - Giving away the power

00:29:46 - Final advice


About our guest

SL Rao (She/They) is a strategist who co-creates new futures in education, health and climate through design inspired system transformation. They bring a system-oriented, equity-centered approach to their work and to how they build, nurture, and grow teams and organizations. They are curious, and driven by the need to find solutions to seemingly intractable problems.


👉 Did you know that UXtweak also offers a series of webinars packed with practical knowledge for UX professionals? Check out the episode with Stéphanie Walter, where she talks about overcoming the challenges of enterprise UX: https://www.youtube.com/live/d9p4ShC_fMA?si=eYEl_S0UErpJiT4B


About this podcast:

Welcome to UX Research Geeks, where Tina Ličková, a researcher and strategist, talks with researchers from around the globe about topics that matter to them.


🐝 Brought to you by UXtweak, an all-in-one UX research software. Start your research for free at: https://www.uxtweak.com/ 👈


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