The Contested Understandings of Research in a Knowledge Infrastructure: The Case of a Foundation

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 1:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Bridging Research and Practice: Navigating Challenges in Knowledge Use and Educational Renewal (Table 8)

Abstract

Foundations play a central role in developing the connections between research production, dissemination, and use. Yet, little is known about the nature of these connections and how different actors within resulting ecosystems conceptualize research. Using the lens of “knowledge infrastructure” from sociology, we analyze 70 interviews with foundation staff, researchers/authors, and dissemination partners of one foundation. We describe varied conceptualizations of high-quality, useful, and equity-centered research and areas of overlap and disconnect. The paper explores the ways in which the foundation’s history and individuals’ roles and field membership shaped these understandings of research.

Authors

• Caitlin Farrell, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Joel R. Malin, Miami University (OH)

• Dominique Brooks, University of North Texas

• Elizabeth N. Farley-Ripple, University of Delaware

• Lok-Sze Wong, University of North Texas

• Samantha Jo Shewchuk, University of Delaware

• Brian Brutzman, Michigan State University

• Jennifer Watling Neal, Michigan State University