Assessing the impact of research in the social sciences is important in demonstrating that the research is useful and has been used. This good practice guide firstly provides indicators of how to best assess impact across four domains - producing knowledge, building the capacity of researchers and end users, influencing policy, and influencing practice. The guide secondly discusses ways to maximise the impact of research such as approaches to dissemination, using contacts and networks (including end users), knowledge translation, and developing programs of research.
This report investigates the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) for its coverage of wellbeing questions. It is an area of considerable interest to policy-makers, and having a valid set of wellbeing questions in LSAY will enhance the capacity to investigate the links between wellbeing and other domains of interest for young people. The analysis finds three robust factors, which can be termed social wellbeing, material wellbeing and career. The three factors do not cover all the dimensions of wellbeing discussed in the literature, particularly the psychological aspects. Suggestions are made for enhancing the current list of wellbeing questions in LSAY.
This paper discusses how a 'gap-taker' can be defined, noting that gap-taking is not the same as deferral.