Producing Research

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Producing Research Deliverables

• Chapter 12

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• It is of great importance that the general
  public be given the opportunity to experience,
  consciously and intelligently, the efforts and
  results of scientific research. It is not
  sufficient that each result be taken up,
  elaborated, and applied by few specialists in the
  field. Restricting the body of knowledge to a
  small group deadens the philosophical spirit of a
  people and leads to spiritual poverty.
• - Albert Einstein

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The Key to Deliverables

• The key to the production of effective research
  deliverables is
• engaging communication
• useful outcomes
• broad dissemination in the real-world

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Potential Deliverables

• In addition to research accounts, research
  deliverables can include
• recommendations
• action plans
• procedures, protocols, guidelines and programmes
• tools and kits
• prototypes and models
• policy
• education and awareness materials

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Knowing your Audience

• To write effectively you need to know your
  audience including
• who they are
• what they know
• what they are likely to find useful
• what their expectations are
• what reactions they may have to your work

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The Standard Structure

• Your write-up can follow a standard structure
  that includes
• introduction
• literature review
• methods
• findings
• conclusion

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Alternative Structure

• An alternative structure that may better suit a
  particular projects aims and objectives
• While alternative structures can allow for more
  creative expression, but it may not be what they
  tend to expect

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Write as you go

• Preparing research accounts and deliverables
  often involves a relatively unpractised from of
  writing that can be intimidating, so its well
  worth writing as you go

9
Your Story

• Your research write-up should unfold as an
  interesting story. As the author of that story
  you need to
• think of writing as a conversation
• become familiar with the craft
• find a voice
• develop a structure
• create a story line
• make convincing arguments
• get down to the business of writing and rewriting

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Drafting

• Moving from first to final draft is a multistage
  process that sees you working systematically
  through the development of
• logic and argument
• coherence and consistency
• fluency and readability
• copy editing

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Dissemination

• Once your project is complete you are likely to
  want broad dissemination
• Options here include
• community forums
• workplace presentations
• academic conferences
• publications

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Utilization

• You are likely to reach the ultimate goal of
  having your study affect change if you
• construct meaningful questions
• involve stakeholders
• have political nous
• ensure rigour in methods
• produce credible findings, feasible
  recommendations, and tangible deliverables
• communicate effectively
• disseminate widely