NCJ Number
252201
Date Published
October 2018
Length
4 pages
Annotation
After contrasting "traditional research," which is most valued by academic institutions, and "community-based research," which has lower status in academia, this paper provides guidance for victim researchers (who engage in "community-based research") in developing a career strategy in academic settings.
Abstract
"Traditional research" has long been the "gold standard" for publication, promotion, and tenure in academia. Such research uses rigorous methods and complex statistical analysis to control for extraneous influences on findings; however, such approaches can restrict the applicability of research findings to "real world" community settings. "Community-based research," on the other hand, focuses on the practical, "real world" value it can provide. Community-engaged victim research involves partnering with a specific community in conducting studies that are relevant to its victimization needs, which reflect the real-life experiences of practitioners and their clients. Community-engaged researchers at academic institutions sometimes do not receive recognition equal to traditional researchers. This "Quick Guide" focuses on concerns of community-engaged researchers in academic settings. It first provides a checklist for community-engaged researchers in assessing whether an academic institution values community-engaged research. The next section provides guidance in planning a "successful, long-term" career in community-engaged research, such as victim research. A "pep talk" notes that as a community-engaged researcher, "You will have opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those facing significant barriers, promote more responsive social systems to help meet victims' needs, and potentially prevent future victimizations." Specific guidance is then given on how to improve one's expertise and reputation as a community-engaged researcher. The guide concludes with suggestions for developing a support team, since relationships with community partners and practitioners are critically important, along with relationships at all levels within an academic institution.