Level Of Knowledge Use Survey (LOKUS): A validated instrument for tracking knowledge uptake and use

Researchers working in fields intending to generate beneficial socio-economic impacts are increasingly challenged to demonstrate evidence that the findings from their studies have value to audiences beyond the peer academic community. These diverse and diffuse target audiences may include clinicians, consumers, manufacturers and information brokers. This paper summarizes a project that designed, constructed and validated a web-based instrument for collecting and analyzing self-reported data on knowledge use. The Level Of Knowledge Use Survey instrument is valid and reliable for measuring uptake of new knowledge and for tracking changes in level of knowledge use over time.