Background: Understanding knowledge utilisation in policymaking is a core task for the social and political sciences. However, limitations and biases abound in commonplace approaches to measuring such use. Consequently, we have little systematic evidence of the extent to which knowledge sources are used in policy decisions. Aims and objectives:…

Single-case design is a research methodology that entails repeated measurement to assess the influence of an independent variable on a dependent variable over time. Data collected in this manner are regularly analyzed using visual analysis of data displayed in a linear graph. Although there is agreement regarding critical elements of visual…

This paper critically examines the use of the photostories method adapted from Photovoice in research with children, exploring its effectiveness in enabling decision-making and influencing change while addressing potential challenges. Specifically, it investigates the extent to which the photostories method enables children to make decisions and…

In undergraduate research settings, students are likely to encounter anomalous data, that is, data that do not meet their expectations. Most of the research that directly or indirectly captures the role of anomalous data in research settings uses post-hoc reflective interviews or surveys. These data collection approaches focus on recall of past…

This Case Study provides an understanding of the ways in which intersectional feminist research can be carried out despite the complexities of sensitive data and a precarious landscape. The term "sensitive data" captures the taboo nature and cultural hesitance surrounding women's bodies and the practice of female genital cutting.…

Research data services--support offerings which enable and improve data-intensive research--have garnered sustained attention from library research support service providers for nearly two decades. Libraries have played a leading role in developing research data services, and on most university campuses they provide the largest and most diverse…

This paper argues for three aspects of tolerance with respect to QCA research: tolerance with respect to different approaches to QCA; producing QCA research with tolerance (work that is resistant to criticism); and for QCA researchers to be clear about the tolerance of the solutions they present -- especially in terms of calibration and truth…

Systematic reviews (SRs) have an important role in the healthcare decision-making practice. Assessing the overall confidence in the results of SRs using quality assessment tools, such as "A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2" (AMSTAR 2), is crucial since not all SRs are conducted using the most rigorous methods. In this…

Purpose: Design-based research (DBR) involves multiple iterations, and innovations are needed in analytical methods for understanding how learners experience a learning experience in ways that both embrace the complexity of learning and allow for data-driven changes to the design of the learning experience between iterations. The purpose of this…

This Technical Annex report sets out methodological and technical notes for the 2024 Technical Education Learner Survey. It accompanies two substantive reports -- 'Technical Education Learner Survey 2024: progression of the 2nd T Level cohort' and 'Technical Education Learner Survey 2024: progression of Level 4/5 learners'. The main body of the…

Participatory modeling (PM) is an engaged research methodology for creating analog or computer-based models of complex systems, such as socio-environmental systems. Used across a range of fields, PM centers stakeholder knowledge and participation to create more internally valid models that can inform policy and increase engagement and trust…

For research evidence to inform decision making, an appraisal needs to be made of whether the claims are justified and whether they are useful to the decisions being made. This chapter provides a high level framework of core issues relevant to appraising the "fitness for purpose" of evidence claims. The framework includes (I) the…

Background/Context: The importance attached to practicing data use is evident in its inclusion in federal law, competitive grant programs, state teaching license requirements, and professional development (PD) workshops around the world. Yet, practitioners and scholars have identified misconceptions clouding data use practice, questioned its…

Secondary data analysis in educational research has been an established research method for many years. Yet, few publications outline the "how to" of undertaking the process. This paper presents an analysis framework suitable for undertaking secondary data analysis within the field of education. The framework is a modification and an…

Writing and communication researchers are in the early stages of developing procedures for reusing and maximizing the analytical potentials of qualitative data. Contributing to this effort, we critically reflect on our methodological decision-making process in developing innovative procedures for cross-analyzing two distinct studies. Our…