APA style, and 2 or more references, 400 words or more
You must pick only ONE of the topics mentioned below for your discussion post this week:
• Understanding Pearson chi-square test
• Examine tools used to evaluate significance
• Explain how to disseminate research findings
Please include 400 words in your initial post and two scholarly references by Wednesday.
Please refer to the discussion rubric.
APA style required –No cover page, but YES References.
Discussion Post: Explaining How to Disseminate Research Findings
Dissemination of research findings is a crucial step in the research process, as it ensures that knowledge generated from scientific inquiry reaches the intended audience and has a meaningful impact. Dissemination involves the targeted distribution of research results to stakeholders, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public in a way that is accessible, understandable, and actionable.
Effective dissemination begins with identifying the appropriate audience. This can include academic peers, practitioners, organizational leaders, or community members. Each audience has different information needs, so researchers must tailor their message to align with the literacy level, interests, and roles of their target group. For example, findings shared with policymakers may emphasize implications for legislation or funding, while findings directed to clinicians will focus on practical applications in patient care (Brownson et al., 2018).
Next, researchers must select appropriate dissemination channels. Common methods include peer-reviewed journal articles, conference presentations, policy briefs, webinars, workshops, infographics, and social media. Academic publications remain the gold standard for scholarly communication, ensuring credibility and rigor. However, their impact may be limited due to accessibility barriers and technical language. Therefore, using plain language summaries, podcasts, or videos can expand the reach of findings to non-academic audiences (Wilson et al., 2010).
Timing is also an important consideration. Dissemination should not only occur after the study concludes but can begin during the research process to foster engagement and build trust. This approach, known as integrated knowledge translation, allows for co-creation of knowledge and enhances the relevance and uptake of research outcomes (Gagliardi et al., 2016).
To evaluate dissemination efforts, researchers should measure indicators such as reach, engagement, and knowledge utilization. Tools like Altmetric scores, citation counts, or stakeholder feedback can provide insights into how effectively the findings are being shared and used. This evaluation is essential for continuous improvement and ensuring research translates into real-world impact.
In conclusion, disseminating research findings is not simply about publishing results, but about strategically communicating insights to drive practice, policy, and positive change. By identifying the target audience, using multiple dissemination methods, and evaluating outcomes, researchers can ensure their work contributes meaningfully to the broader body of knowledge and societal advancement.
References
Brownson, R. C., Eyler, A. A., Harris, J. K., Moore, J. B., & Tabak, R. G. (2018). Getting the word out: New approaches for disseminating public health science. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 24(2), 102–111. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHH.0000000000000673
Wilson, P. M., Petticrew, M., Calnan, M. W., & Nazareth, I. (2010). Disseminating research findings: What should researchers do? A systematic scoping review of conceptual frameworks. Implementation Science, 5(1), 91. https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-5-91
Gagliardi, A. R., Berta, W., Kothari, A., Boyko, J., & Urquhart, R. (2016). Integrated knowledge translation (IKT) in health care: A scoping review. Implementation Science, 11(1), 38. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-016-0399-1