Qualitative Inquiry: A Key Element for Assessing the Social Impact of Research. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sordé Martí, Teresa; Flecha, Ramon; Rodríguez, José Antonio; Bosch, José Luis Condom
• Is Part Of: Qualitative inquiry. Volume 26:Number 8/9(2020)
• Page Start: 948
• Page End: 954
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: qualitative inquiry -- social impact -- communicative methodology -- social transformation; Social sciences -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 300.72
• DOI: 10.1177/1077800420938117
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-8004

Abstract

The need to develop adequate methodologies to comprehensively assess the impact of research, especially the social impact of European Union (EU)-funded research, is one of the main concerns within the European Commission as well as for EU citizens, who are more active than ever. This article discusses the rationale behind using a qualitative approach to better address these concerns. Drawing on the FP7 IMPACT-EV research project, the present article discusses how to overcome a positivist approach that evaluates the social impact of research conducted only for its economic objectives and using only quantitative data. The focus on what is needed and what research is expected to bring to society are emphasized and made possible through qualitative inquiry of the social impact of the EU social sciences and the humanities (SSH) research. Thus, the development of qualitative-based analysis of the social impact of research is increasingly required to be conducted in dialogue with citizens.