Asking impactful questions and publishing research

This presentation will focus on two issues. Firstly, it will focus on asking questions, a key element of conducting impactful social research. It will then focus on publishing research, with a particular focus on academic outlets for social research. Conducting impactful social research for social and public policy is a challenging process. It involves considering originality, rigour, and significance. Broadly speaking, the first relates to the purpose of your research, the second relates to the methods you employ to 'find out', and the final principle is concerned with what your research is telling you in relation to the wider body of knowledge and the contribution it can make. Following a quick outline of these principles, the first part of the presentation will focus on a particular aspect of rigour, the need to ask questions in an appropriate manner. It will explore the need to ensure wording is suitable when asking questions, consider different types of questions, and discuss how to develop an interview schedule. It will then discuss the process of conducting a successful interview. Finally, it will return to the importance of asking questions in producing successful research. The second part of the presentation will consider the process of publishing. It will outline different options in relation to academic publishing and encourage participants to reflect on their own position in relation to publishing. It will then provide tips and hints regarding publishing and the publishing process. Finally, it will consider reviewer feedback and how to respond to it.