Evidencing atmospheres and narratives: measuring the immeasurable?

Prince, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6199-4892 and Hayes, Tracy ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6330-6520 (2018) Evidencing atmospheres and narratives: measuring the immeasurable? In: Leather, Mark, (ed.) Book of extended abstracts: 16th European EOE conference: Outdoor atmospheres and narratives - connecting young people to the world. Plymouth Marjon University, Plymouth, UK, pp. 97-102.

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Abstract

Most academic researchers conscious of metrics for the assessment of quality of research such as the Research Excellence Framework (REF) in the UK, will be seeking impact for their work. The evaluation of academic research now extends to relevance and impact beyond the academy (Gunn and Mintrom, 2017). Some may consider evidencing the impact of research into atmospheres and narratives somewhat challenging, particularly for those who adopt a creative, interpretive approach. Thus, if we are to evidence this in our practice and to a wider audience, we should consider whether or not it is measurable, how we would want it to be used and who may read or act upon it. The political systems in the UK, as in many other European countries, are situated in a positivist theoretical framework and capitalist paradigm built on accountability, performativity and measurability, and where scale is objectified. Policy and decision making for funding throughout Europe usually is based on evaluative evidence (E) that places the apparent fluidity and openness of research into atmospheres and narratives at an epistemological margin. Emphasis is placed on an outcome driven educational system (Prince and Exeter, 2016).

Item Type:	Book Section
Publisher:	Plymouth Marjon University
ISBN:	9780995599642
Departments:	Academic Departments > Health, Psychology & Social Studies (HPSS) > Children, Youth, Families and Community Work Academic Departments > Science, Natural Resources & Outdoor Studies (SNROS) > Outdoor Studies
Additional Information:	Book of extended abstracts for the European Institute for Outdoor Adventure Education and Experiential Learning Conference EOE2017, held at Plymouth Marjon University, UK, 28 June - 2 July 2017. See also the presentation here: http://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/3103/
Depositing User:	Anna Lupton
Date Deposited:	20 Sep 2018 14:53
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2024 19:01
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/4095

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