A topic in research methodology
If research is intended as context-directed, that is as primarily informing those working in the research context, publication may not seem as necessary or even desirable. However, when research is theory-directed it cannot make a contribution to a field unless it is made publicly available. In Academia, research tends to be taken seriously when it is published in recognised outlets (such as journals) after peer-review.
For the academic researcher, then, publication and dissemination are important aspects of the overall research process.
There are ethical considerations of reporting and publishing research, just as in earlier stages, such as:
- authorship: who is considered the author of academic work?
- anonymity: protecting the identity of research participants (informants)
- honesty: is it acceptable to include fictional accounts in research reports?
Good practice is to publish research studies in academic journals, but also where relevant to write for other outlets such as practitioner (professional) journals. (Read about Research journals and practitioner journals.)
Publishing in research journals
Preparing publication for research journals, and following through to publication can be demanding and time consuming, but is essential for recognition as an active researcher.
Read about selecting a research journal.
Read about submitting to a research journal.
Read about responding to an editorial decision.
My introduction to educational research:
Taber, K. S. (2013). Classroom-based Research and Evidence-based Practice: An introduction (2nd ed.). London: Sage.
