Exploring research impact models: a systematic scoping review

Maryam Razmgir, Sirous Panahi, Leila Ghalichi, Seyed Ali Javad Mousavi, Shahram Sedghi*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

This article explores the models and frameworks developed on "research impact'. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of related literature through scoping study method. The present research investigates the nature, objectives, approaches, and other main attributes of the research impact models. It examines to analyze and classify models based on their characteristics. Forty-seven studies and 10 reviews published between 1996 and 2020 were included in the analysis. The majority of models were developed for the impact assessment and evaluation purposes. We identified three approaches in the models, namely outcome-based, process-based, and those utilized both of them, among which the outcome-based approach was the most frequently used by impact models and evaluation was considered as the main objective of this group. The process-based ones were mainly adapted from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation logic model and were potentially eligible for impact improvement. We highlighted the scope of processes and other specific features for the recent models. Given the benefits of the process-based approach in enhancing and accelerating the research impact, it is important to consider such approach in the development of impact models. Effective interaction between researchers and stakeholders, knowledge translation, and evidence synthesis are the other possible driving forces contributing to achieve and improve impact.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)443-457
Number of pages15
JournalResearch Evaluation
Volume30
Issue number4
Early online date14 Aug 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Keywords

  • impact assessment
  • impact frameworks
  • impact improvement
  • impact models
  • research impact
  • scoping review

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Library and Information Sciences

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