Qualitative Research Impact Beyond Academia

This is an extract from a talk by Carol Smart to a gathering of academics and socio-legal researchers in London in March 2010. The talk reflects on the impact of research - particularly qualitative research - beyond academia. Carol discusses the contribution that qualitative research can make to an understanding of the social world and suggests some ways of making this contribution heard. She makes five main points:

1. We need to de-mystify the process of generating and analysing qualitative data.
2. We need to think of the 'big picture' painted by social research.
3. We need to find ways of making complex data usable.
4. We need to be better at telling stories about the social world. Working with our data and knowledge, we can tell stories that counteract other popular narratives in the media.
5. We need to disseminate our research in order for it to have an impact.