The Nature and Impact of Policy-Induced Partnerships Between Research and Practice Communities

1996 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 199-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Bradley Cousins ◽  
Marielle Simon
Keyword(s):  
Community Of Practice ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Grant Application ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Allocation Policy ◽  
Grant Program ◽  
Grant Allocation

To enhance the relevance and usefulness of social science research, large-scale research grant allocation policies are emphasizing, if not requiring, the formation of research partnerships between researchers and members of the community of practice. The emergence of a revisionist conception of traditional dissemination and utilization theoretical frameworks is consistent with this policy direction, but supportive empirical evidence remains thin. This study reports on a multi-method evaluation of a major Canadian strategic grant program that has such partnership guidelines. Surveys of 74 funded projects and four case profiles and interviews with researchers, members of the community of practice, and grant application adjudicators concerning a strategic grant program called Education and Work in a Changing Society provided the primary basis for investigating the nature and impact of policy-induced partnerships. Results show favorable effects of partnerships on research and dissemination strategies and impact in the practice community, but ideological and pragmatic issues surfaced as inhibitory factors. The results are discussed in terms of implications for the revisionist dissemination and utilization framework, the role of granting agencies and ramifications for future research and grant allocation policy.

Building an Infrastructure to Support the Use of Government Administrative Data for Program Performance and Social Science Research

2017 ◽  
Vol 675 (1) ◽  
pp. 240-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Lane
Keyword(s):  
Community Of Practice ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Focal Point ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Data Infrastructure ◽  
The Public ◽  
Intellectual Engagement

This article provides an overview of the elements necessary to build a sustainable research data infrastructure. I argue that it needs the financial and intellectual engagement of a community of practice. Most attention has been paid to researchers and policy-makers, but a third group—government programmatic agencies—must be a focal point since they act as both data producers and as policy implementers. I also discuss possible business models that are both consistent with serving the needs of multiple stakeholders and that are not completely dependent on the largesse of the public purse.

Using a Probabilistic Model to Assist Merging of Large-Scale Administrative Records

2019 ◽  
Vol 113 (2) ◽  
pp. 353-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
TED ENAMORADO ◽  
BENJAMIN FIFIELD ◽  
KOSUKE IMAI
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Auxiliary Information ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Unique Identifier ◽  
Scalable Algorithm ◽  
Administrative Records ◽  
Inaccurate Information ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Open Source Software Package

Since most social science research relies on multiple data sources, merging data sets is an essential part of researchers’ workflow. Unfortunately, a unique identifier that unambiguously links records is often unavailable, and data may contain missing and inaccurate information. These problems are severe especially when merging large-scale administrative records. We develop a fast and scalable algorithm to implement a canonical model of probabilistic record linkage that has many advantages over deterministic methods frequently used by social scientists. The proposed methodology efficiently handles millions of observations while accounting for missing data and measurement error, incorporating auxiliary information, and adjusting for uncertainty about merging in post-merge analyses. We conduct comprehensive simulation studies to evaluate the performance of our algorithm in realistic scenarios. We also apply our methodology to merging campaign contribution records, survey data, and nationwide voter files. An open-source software package is available for implementing the proposed methodology.

scholarly journals Using Quantile Regression to Estimate Intervention Effects Beyond the Mean

2019 ◽  
Vol 79 (5) ◽  
pp. 883-910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Spyros Konstantopoulos ◽  
Wei Li ◽  
Shazia Miller ◽  
Arie van der Ploeg
Keyword(s):  
Quantile Regression ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Intervention Effects ◽  
Education Data

This study discusses quantile regression methodology and its usefulness in education and social science research. First, quantile regression is defined and its advantages vis-à-vis vis ordinary least squares regression are illustrated. Second, specific comparisons are made between ordinary least squares and quantile regression methods. Third, the applicability of quantile regression to empirical work to estimate intervention effects is demonstrated using education data from a large-scale experiment. The estimation of quantile treatment effects at various quantiles in the presence of dropouts is also discussed. Quantile regression is especially suitable in examining predictor effects at various locations of the outcome distribution (e.g., lower and upper tails).

scholarly journals Spatially Integrated Social Sciences with Qualitative GIS to Support Impact Assessment in Mining Communities

Resources ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Lechner ◽  
John Owen ◽  
Michelle Ang ◽  
Deanna Kemp
Keyword(s):  
Social Science ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Dynamic Interactions ◽  
Mining Communities ◽  
Qualitative Gis ◽  
Future Assessment ◽  
Broad Term ◽  
Qualitative Knowledge

Spatially integrated social science is a broad term used to describe the integration of space and place in social science research using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It includes qualitative GIS approaches, such as geo-ethnology and geo-narratives, which combine qualitative social data with GIS and represent an emerging approach with significant potential for facilitating new insights into the dynamic interactions between mining companies and host communities. Mine operations are unique in their complexity, both in terms of the dynamic and diverse nature of issues and the requirement to integrate knowledge, theories, and approaches from a range of disciplines. In this paper we describe the potential for spatially integrated social science using qualitative GIS to understand the social impacts of mining. We review current literature and propose a framework that incorporates quantitative and qualitative knowledge across social and biophysical domains within a multi-user approach. We provide examples to illustrate how our approach could support past, present, and future assessment of socio-environmental systems in large-scale mining. We conclude by discussing the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to support decision makers and local stakeholders in considering complex social and environmental scenarios.

Introduction to L2 attrition

2019 ◽  
pp. 329-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teodora H. Mehotcheva ◽  
Barbara Köpke
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
First Language ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Short Overview ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
The Subject

As the introduction to the section on second language (L2) attrition, this chapter provides a broad presentation to research on attrition of L2 and foreign languages (FL). We will first discuss the terminology used in the field, focusing on some important differences in the terminology used in first language (L1) attrition studies. It provides a short overview of the development of the field, outlining major challenges and obstacles that research on the topic has to deal with. Next, it briefly describes the major findings and knowledge amassed on the subject before reviewing in more detail the findings of some of the most significant and large-scale projects carried out on L2/FL attrition. A final presentation of several theoretical frameworks of interest for L2/FL attrition research will allow us to show how L2/FL attrition is commonly explained but also to provide some ideas for future research directions.

Citizenship

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Mettler ◽  
Alexis Walker
Keyword(s):  
Social Policy ◽  
Political Participation ◽  
Political Development ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
Political Community ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Policies ◽  
Political Rights

Besides its impact on poverty, inequality, and economic security, social policy also bears crucial significance for the meaning and quality of citizenship in a political community. Historical research on American political development has revealed that ideas about citizenship played a central role in the development of social policy. Throughout U.S. history, policy makers have often justified social policies on the basis that they would develop Americans' civic capacity and inculcate participatory norms. In addition, U.S. social policy has shaped citizens' experiences of government and their political participation and attitudes. Established social policies have influenced citizens' ability to practice their political rights, the extent of solidarity or division in society, and people's inclination to engage in civic life. In sum, American civil and political rights cannot be fully understood apart from their interaction with social rights and provision. This essay offers an introduction to thinking about the relationship between citizenship and social policy. It considers the place of social policy in different theoretical understandings of citizenship in social science research. It explores the mechanisms through which social policies can influence citizenship, tracing their impact on: membership, identity, and belonging; political attitudes; and political participation and other forms of civic involvement. Finally, it considers the contemporary relationship between social policy and citizenship and offer directions for future research on this relationship.

Examining the Emergence of Large-scale Structures in Collaboration Networks: Methods in Sociological Analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 821-863
Author(s):  
Jaideep Ghosh ◽  
Avinash Kshitij
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Collaboration Network ◽  
Sociological Research ◽  
Collaboration Networks ◽  
Large Scale Structures ◽  
Structure Formation Process ◽  
Scale Structures ◽  
Large Scale Structure Formation

This article introduces a number of methods that can be useful for examining the emergence of large-scale structures in collaboration networks. The study contributes to sociological research by investigating how clusters of research collaborators evolve and sometimes percolate in a collaboration network. Typically, we find that in our networks, one cluster among the leading ones eventually wins the growth race by percolating through the network, spanning it and rapidly filling up a significant volume of it. We show how this process is governed by the dynamics of cluster growth in the network. When operating in a percolating regime, this class of networks possesses many useful functional properties, which have important sociological implications. We first develop the methodological tools to perform a study of the intrinsic clustering process. Then, to understand the actual large-scale structure formation process in the network, we apply the theoretical methods to simulate a number of realistic scenarios, including one based on actual data on the collaboration behavior of a sample of researchers. From the perspective of social science research, our methods can be adapted to suit the application domains of many other types of real social processes.

scholarly journals Operationalizing Agile Methods: Examining Coherence in Large-Scale Agile Transformations

2020 ◽  
pp. 75-83
Author(s):  
Noel Carroll ◽  
Finn Olav Bjørnson ◽  
Torgeir Dingsøyr ◽  
Knut-Helge Rolland ◽  
Kieran Conboy
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Normalization Process Theory ◽  
Process Theory ◽  
Agile Methods ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Agile Method ◽  
Difficult Challenge ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Normalization Process

Abstract Following the highly pervasive and effective use of agile methods for software development, attention has now turned to the much more difficult challenge of applying these methods in large scale, organization-wide development. However, identifying to what extent certain factors influence success and failure of sustaining large-scale agile transformations remains unclear and there is a lack of theoretical frameworks to guide such investigations. By adopting Normalization Process Theory and specifically ‘coherence’, we compare two large-scale agile transformation case studies and the different perspectives individuals and teams had when faced with the problem of operationalizing the agile method as part of their large-scale agile transformation. The key contributions of this work are: (i) this is a first attempt to present the results of a comparison between a successful and failed large-scale agile transformations; and (ii) we describe the challenges in understanding the rationale, differences, value, and roles associated with the methods to support the large-scale agile transformation. We also present future research for practitioners and academics on large-scale agile transformation.

scholarly journals Casino capitalism in the era of COVID-19: examining Macau’s pandemic response

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Loretta Lou
Keyword(s):  
Political Economy ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Economic Resilience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gambling Industry ◽  
Tax Revenues ◽  
Pandemic Response ◽  
The Government

Purpose This purpose of this paper is to explain Macau’s successful pandemic response through an analysis of its social, political and economic landscapes. In particular, it focusses on the economic relief brought by casino capitalism in this era of COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach As mobility is highly restricted during the coronavirus pandemic, digital technologies have become central to ongoing social science research. Thanks to videoconferencing programmes such as Zoom, Facetime and WhatsApp, the author was able to carry out virtual interviews with 13 local people from different sectors of Macau in July 2020. In addition to in-depth interviews, the author also undertook an extensive review of the Macau government’s pandemic policies. Findings This paper argues that the Macau government’s swift and effective coronavirus policies are deeply intertwined with the urban fabric and political economy of the city’s casino capitalism, which endowed the government with surplus funds and an infrastructure that enabled the implementation of an array of strict measures that few other countries could afford to subsidise. Factors that have led to Macau’s extraordinarily low rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths include: competent leadership and the public’s high compliance with mandatory health measures; the generous benefits and financial support for citizens and businesses; and the compulsory quarantine required of all incoming travellers, who are lodged in hotel rooms left empty when casino tourists stopped coming. All of these measures have been made possible by a political economy backed by the peculiarities of casino capitalism and its resultant tax revenues. Research limitations/implications Future research could compare the case of Macau with other small but affluent economies (ideally economies that do not depend on the gambling industry) to ascertain the role of casino capitalism in building up economic resilience. Originality/value Although previous studies tend to emphasise the negative impacts of casino capitalism, this paper shows how tax revenues and infrastructure from the gambling industry can make a contribution to the host society in times of crisis.

Studying Electoral Persuasion Using Online Experiments

2019 ◽  
pp. 1015-1036
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Leeper
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Online Experiments ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Online Experimentation ◽  
Experimental Realism

Online experimental methods have become a major part of contemporary social science research. Yet the method is also controversial and experiments are frequently misunderstood. This chapter introduces online experimentation as a method, by explaining the logic of experimental design for causal inference. While experiments can be deployed in almost any setting, online experiments tend to take two forms: online survey experiments and experiments in naturalistic online environments. Discussing the advantages and disadvantages of these types relative to each other and relative to their offline analogues, the chapter demonstrates ways that experimentation has been used to learn about political behavior, media and campaign dynamics, and public opinion. Emphasizing trade-offs between internal validity, experimental realism, and external validity, the chapter demonstrates how researchers have used online platforms in tandem with randomization to gain insights into both online and offline phenomena. Though experiments are sometimes seen as trading off external for internal validity, this is not an accurate depiction of all experimental work. Rather, online experiments exist on spectrums that trade-off these features to varying degrees. And with those trade-offs come key challenges related to experimental control, the generalizability of experimental results across settings, units, treatments, and outcomes, and the ethics of online experimentation. The chapter concludes by suggesting how future research might innovatively push beyond existing work.

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