When academic impact is not enough: a concept mapping study characterising excellence in practice-based research.

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Health Sciences
• Research Methodology

Background:

• Traditional research quality emphasizes replicability and trustworthiness.
• Practice-based research prioritizes implementability and practical impact.
• Defining high-quality practice-based research requires considering unique values and logics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and define the characteristics of excellent practice-based research.
• To identify qualities that distinguish high-caliber practice-based research in social and health care.
• To broaden the understanding of research excellence in applied settings.

Main Methods:

• Concept mapping study involving R&D staff from Swedish social and health care organizations.
• Participants generated statements on excellent practice-based research, followed by sorting, rating, and cluster analysis.
• Multidimensional scaling, cluster analysis, t-tests, and a digital workshop were used for data analysis and interpretation.

Main Results:

• Eighty-three statements were categorized into 11 clusters.
• Clusters reflected traditional academic values (e.g., appropriate methods) and practice-based values (e.g., actionable outcomes).
• The most important quality identified was 'embracing different agendas and perspectives', followed by 'deploying appropriate methods' and 'being actionable'.

Conclusions:

• Excellent practice-based research integrates diverse perspectives and practical considerations.
• The study expands the definition of research excellence beyond traditional academic metrics.
• Practice-based research addresses both theoretical understanding ('why things are') and practical application ('how they work').