Dissemination in the Research Process

Dissemination is defined as spreading a particular message for the purposes of altering or changing the dynamics of a specific situation. It is essentially, informing others of beliefs and ideas associated with a certain type of communication. Information dissemination is especially important in research of all types as it assists as a guide in helping to broadcast the findings in an effective manner.

Crosswaite & Curtice (1994) acknowledged that dissemination is a crucial element in the process of research, not only to ensure that the process of an implementation plan and/or project is executed properly but to make sure that any barriers that may occur can be handled appropriately. They also stated that dissemination can only be effective when the material being distributed has enough data and statistics to reinforce the goals of the plan or project (p.289-291).

Wilson et al. (2010) emphasized that conceptually, information discovered in research must be organized in order to meet the expectations of stakeholders who are invested in the plan or project. This allows for any deficiencies in the research findings to be addressed efficiently and properly to ensure that the project's timeline or the necessary deadline for the plan's execution to remain on track (p.91). Dissemination is a crucial element in research findings then due to the fact that essentially a plan or project is not considered doable without it.

In addition to both mentioned authors, Keen & Todres (2007) discussed dissemination and evaluated the ways in which research findings can be distributed. They talked about how those involved in the information dissemination process must decide the best fit for presenting it. They cited certain types of styles that information can be given in (i.e. handouts, reports, etc.). This, they stated was especially good for assessing both quantitative and qualitative research methods, however, the authors mentioned that qualitative research findings dissemination needs specific assessment because those findings are often complex and have fewer numbers in them (p.1). Basically, dissemination is a crucial part of research and without it, an objective or goal cannot be taken seriously by any stakeholder.

References

Crosswaite, C., & Curtice, L. (1994). Disseminating research results-the challenge of bridging the gap between health research and health action. Health Promotion International, 9(4), 289-296. doi:10.1093/heapro/9.4.289

Keen, S., & Todres, L. (2007, September). Strategies for disseminating qualitative research findings: Three exemplars. Forum: Qualitative Social Research Sozialforschung, 8(3), Retrieved from http://www.qualitative-research.net/index.php/fqs/article/view/285/625

Wilson, P. M., Petticrew, M., Calnan, M. W., & Nazareth, I. (2010, November 22). Disseminating research findings: What should researchers do? A systematic scoping review of conceptual frameworks. Implementation Science, 5, 91. doi:10.1186/1748-5908-5-91