Basic outline of research literacy framework

1. Thinking About the Emergent
Researcher
Outlining a Research Literacy
Approach

2. Some basic ideas and assumptions
• Everyone can and does carry out activities which have some of the
features of research.
• Research literacy is about developing a broad understanding of
research and its various traditions as well as being able to design,
execute and share project results.
• Gaining research literacy is an emergent, complex process. Hence,
non-linear, contextualised and ongoing. It isn’t an A to B process!!
• No model of research competence can therefore be captured in its
entirety, and hence a ‘tick-list’ approach is highly reductive and
damaging to original thought and researcher growth
• Any framework (including this one) is therefore reductive and
partial.

3. • A framework can therefore only hope to act as a starting
point.
• A philosophical framework rather than a performative one.
• This framework is dialogic in nature, i.e. it should only be
used to aid reflection, dialogue and planning.
• Split into 6 dimensions, each with a series of illustrative
aspects.
• Dialogue can go beyond the framework, indeed this should
be encouraged. It is a resource for expansion rather than a
fence for restriction.
• It should be applicable to any level of research dialogue
within HE

4. Dimension Aspects
Philosophies, Ethics &
Positionality
 Ethical traditions
 Research ethics
 Philosophical traditions
 Ontology
 Epistemology
 Evidence (nature of)
 Paradigms
 Researcher positionality
 Reflexivity
Disciplinary Specialism  Knowledge of content
 Cognate content
 Theoretical/philosophical perspectives
 Disciplinary uses/perspectives on evidence
 Applications of disciplinary knowledge
Researcher Development and
Skills
 Career development
 Collaborative approaches
 Interdisciplinarity
 Project management
 Impact
 Knowledge exchange
 Transferable skills development (esp into
cognate disciplines)

5. Dimension Aspects
Critical reading and
writing
 Literature searching
 Literature reviewing (systematic, QRS,
etc)
 Writing for different media/audiences
 Editing/reviewing
 Writing collaboratively
Academic Cultures  Professionalism
 Research ethics
 Academic metrics and accountability
 Politics of academia
 Funding and bids
 Other academic responsibilities
 Building academic networks
Research Methods  Research design
 Methodologies
 Data collection
 Analysis and interpretation
 Philosophies of research
 The role and use of evidence
 Reflexivity