Using the Absorptive Capacity Framework to Understand and Explore Research Use

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: Discussing the Use of Research Across Fields

Abstract

This conceptual paper is based on a review of the research-to-practice literature. Research use is examined in terms of a school’s capacity to absorb the new knowledge that comes from research. The purpose of this paper is to describe the issues that limit a school’s capacity to absorb research knowledge and then to discuss what needs exploration in order to find ways to increase this absorptive capacity. This future exploration is needed to better understand how districts and schools use research in practice, and this paper seeks to use the absorptive capacity framework to guide future research endeavors.

Authors

• Mindy L. Crain-Dorough, Southeastern Louisiana University

• Adam C. Elder, Southeastern Louisiana University