Research in action: Inside the Bearmore method

29 Apr, 2025

Science-driven wellbeing.

Bearmore is not merely an app - it's a platform dedicated to improving health and happiness through research-backed practices. Every recommendation is carefully selected and evaluated using a transparent, reproducible research methodology. Here’s an inside look at how we operate.


Our scientific approach

At Bearmore, we treat wellbeing like scientists, continuously challenging our hypotheses and refining our methods. We don't chase fads—we meticulously dissect, validate, and measure every recommendation based on comprehensive wellbeing outcomes.


Transparency & disclaimers

  1. Academic research continuously evolves; our ratings and methodologies adapt as new insights emerge.

  2. We heavily utilise AI tools but thoroughly validate AI-generated data with manual expert checks.

  3. We openly invite feedback, recognising the complexity and evolving nature of scientific evidence.


The Bearmore Evidence Factor

Our Evidence Factor uniquely quantifies the multidimensional impact of an activity on comprehensive wellbeing. We integrate psychometric scales, experience sampling, biometric data, and adherence metrics to rigorously evaluate activities across physical, emotional, cognitive, and social health dimensions. Activities must demonstrate substantial benefits across multiple areas to achieve a high rating.

  1. Compassion meditation: Evidence Factor 9.3 (robust evidence indicating substantial wellbeing enhancement across emotional, cognitive, and social domains)

  2. Compression boots: Evidence Factor 3.2 (limited evidence; beneficial primarily for specific, targeted physical recovery)

Inclusion & exclusion criteria

We include only practices demonstrating meaningful, evidence-based benefits across multiple dimensions of wellbeing. If an activity is only beneficial for isolated conditions or targeted outcomes, despite it’s effectiveness, it is excluded from our comprehensive framework.


Future vision: Bearmore Research V3

Bearmore is building the future of research-driven wellbeing.

We’re not just curating science - we’re becoming a platform that helps create it. Our evolving research engine is designed to not only improve your health, but to advance the field of mental and physical wellbeing for everyone. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

  1. Smarter data, deeper insights
    We’ll be integrating biometric inputs - like heart rate variability and sleep data from devices like Apple Watch - to give a fuller picture of your health.

  2. Real-time tracking of real-life outcomes
    Our platform will use standardised psychometric tools and moment-by-moment check-ins to track how activities actually make people feel and function.

  3. Personalisation powered by algorithms
    AI-driven recommendations will match you with activities based on your goals, needs, and what you're likely to stick with.

  4. Original research with real-world impact
    We’re building capacity for clinical trials, hypothesis testing, and peer-reviewed publication—so Bearmore contributes to the global evidence base.

  5. Science meets play
    Gamified testing and reflective tools will make self-awareness fun, without compromising scientific accuracy.

  6. Collaboration with innovators
    Through research-as-a-service, we’ll help wellness and tech organisations apply evidence-based insights to their own experiences.

By joining Bearmore, you’re not just improving your own wellbeing - you’re helping shape the future of science-backed health.


The Bearmore methodology

Step 1: Define the activity

We start by clearly defining what each activity involves and how it might affect overall wellbeing. If an activity only impacts a narrow or isolated area (like a niche biohack), we leave it out. We're focused on practices that benefit multiple dimensions of health - physical, emotional, cognitive, and social.

Step 2: Find the best research

Once we’ve found the studies, we dig into the details. We use AI to speed up the process but always cross-check manually. We look at things like DOI, journal impact (SJR, SNIP), and how rigorous the study methods were (using tools like SciScore RTI) to ensure everything checks out.

Step 3: Extract and validate the data

Once we’ve found the studies, we dig into the details. We use AI to speed up the process but always cross-check manually. We look at things like DOI, journal impact (SJR, SNIP), and how rigorous the study methods were (using tools like SciScore RTI) to ensure everything checks out.

Step 4: Score the evidence

Each paper is rated based on its scientific strength - how well it was designed, how trustworthy the source is, and how transparent the methods are. We use established scoring frameworks like GRADE and the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine to stay consistent.

Step 5: Calculate the Evidence Factor

We combine all those scores and weigh them against how strongly the research shows an activity improves wellbeing. We don’t just want quantity - we want quality, relevance, and multidimensional impact. The final result is what we call the Evidence Factor.

Step 6: Decide what makes the cut

If an activity reaches a strong Evidence Factor and shows clear benefits across multiple areas of life, it gets included in Bearmore. And we make sure you can see why - with transparent explanations and easy-to-digest insights.


Limitations & continuous improvement

Our scoring system places the highest value on rigorous study designs, like randomized controlled trials (RCTs). While this ensures strong scientific credibility, it can sometimes underrepresent valuable insights from qualitative or observational research. We're continuously refining our methodology to better capture a wider range of evidence and reflect the full picture of what supports comprehensive wellbeing.


Continuous innovation & community input

We’re integrating advanced AI tools to streamline research and validation - so our experts can focus on deeper analysis and insights that matter. But we don’t do it alone. Your feedback helps shape the future of our science.

What would you love to see us include?
How are you already tracking your own health and happiness?
Have you read studies that align with the world you want Bearmore to build?

👉 Add to the discussion by joining our community on Reddit.

Educational resources: master the science

At Bearmore, we believe scientific literacy is essential to long-term wellbeing. By learning how evidence is built, evaluated, and applied, you gain the power to make smarter decisions - and to question the noise.

  1. How to critically evaluate scientific papers

  2. Understanding statistical significance

  3. Navigating evidence quality

  4. Systematic review course


Join our scientific journey

Contribute to the science-driven wellbeing revolution by conversing with us and our enthusiastic community over on Reddit.

👉 Join our community on Reddit to get involved in the discussion.

Ditch the fads and join the Bearmore community