Self Assessment Fosters Understanding

How can researchers determine if their dissemination practices are effective? The NCDDR will develop a self-assessment D & U inventory to help NIDRR research projects assess their current dissemination efforts and identify dissemination strategies that may be more effective. The significant research literature concerning D & U will serve as the basis for developing descriptors or characteristics that promote effective dissemination. Basic areas in the analysis of NIDRR research outcomes for dissemination include the research focus, research design, target audience, and intended research outcomes. Other important considerations are the power or impact of research outcomes and the previous uses of those outcomes.

The inventory will examine innovativeness in consumer involvement throughout the research process. The self-assessment inventory will incorporate the major elements of dissemination: the message, source, context, audience, and medium. It can be used by:

• NIDRR research projects as a self-administered diagnostic tool to develop plans for the improvement of their dissemination efforts
• NCDDR staff or staff associates in onsite consultations focused on improving the link between NIDRR research projects and their potential users
• individuals engaged in designing disability research to maximize the potential for utilization of their research outcomes

The self-assessment inventory will be pilot-tested with disability research groups representing different NIDRR program areas. This process will help determine the degree to which the instrument can serve as a self-directed assessment, as well as its appropriateness for collecting the expected data.

The NCDDR will provide technical assistance in the use of the self-assessment inventory to all interested NIDRR projects.

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NIDRR Project Number: H133A990008
Last Updated: Tuesday, 29 January 2008 at 04:13 PM,
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