Dimensions of Impact in the Social Sciences
The Case of Social Policy, Sociology and Political Science Research
By Tina Haux
Published
Jul 3, 2019Page count
148 pagesISBN
978-1447324089Dimensions
198 x 129 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Jul 3, 2019Page count
148 pagesISBN
978-1447327950Imprint
Policy PressPublished
Jul 3, 2019Page count
148 pagesISBN
978-1447327967Imprint
Policy Press
Dimensions of Impact in the Social Sciences
In the media
On our blog: Impact beyond the crisis
Impact has become a central part of the assessment criteria for academic worth. It has been adopted by many research funding bodies, and it is firmly embedded in the British Research Excellence Framework. However, a clear definition of impact remains elusive and guidance on how exactly to achieve it is often superficial.
This concise, informative book analyses impact across the social sciences. It draws on the analysis of the most highly ranked British impact case studies from the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, as well as fifteen interviews with senior academics, providing a longitudinal and critical framing of impact. The author concludes with valuable recommendations of how and when scholars can achieve impact.
“An important short guide to research impact in social policy — the book blends key academics' perceptions of the nature and meaning of impact over time with the contemporary governance of impact through the REF process. Essential reading.” Nicholas Ellison, University of York
Tina Haux is Lecturer in Quantitative Social Policy and Director of the Q-step centre at the University of Kent.
Introduction
Dimension 1: The role of academic research in policymaking
Researching impact
Dimension 2: The nature of the underlying research and characteristics of the researchers
Dimension 3: The nature and reach of impact
Dimension 4: Taking the long view: looking back over 40 years of Social Policy
