Year: 2024
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: Dissemination and stimulating transformation with researchIt is obvious that empirical research in a certain region or municipality per se always represents an (un)intended intervention.'Simply making contact introduces differences, and thus represents an intervention in the system and changes the perspective' (Hübner 2012, 162, author's own translation).Such interventions can also take place during data collection, not only during the asking of interview questions or the process of observation, but also in the context of data analysis and building hypotheses and background theories, as well as possible solutions in the context of feedback loops between the researchers and the practice system (e.g.stakeholders of the municipality investigated) (ibid., 162).Interview questions can lead to reflections among the interviewees and, as a result, to changes in their behaviour.For example, the MATILDE Action Research in Carinthia (Austria) showed that migrant women and female refugees who participated in an all-female focus group were prompted to reflect on their own success stories by means of a participatory photo talk.Reflecting on their successes in turn showed them their own agency and power.Hence, research can lead to the empowerment of disadvantaged groups, especially when the target groups are directly involved (face-toface), and consequently create changes in a (local) system.According to the OECD (2002, 78), applied research is defined as an 'original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge.It is, however, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective'.Hence, applied, practice-oriented research aims not only to provide new insights, but should also lead to 'benefits' for the practice partners or the practice system involved (Hagendorfer-Jauk and Gruber 2022), by means of policy recommendations, new solutions, or a change of perspectives on how something should be done in the future, for example.Thus, on the one hand, the joint evaluation of integration measures and migration impacts can represent an intervention in the fields of practice to be investigated and, on the other hand, offer the opportunity to gain a joint awareness of the current situation and work together on improved measures.Where practitioners and further stakeholders jointly evaluate integration measures and migration impacts, this can also increase the dissemination potential.Consequently, research results are not simply handed to the practitioners
Authors: Stefan Kordel, Marika Gruber
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4401258355