Multiple Scripts and Contested Discourse in Disseminating Research Findings

Abstract

Disseminating research findings locally, nationally and internationally is complicated and sensitive. International teams of researchers have to navigate and wind their way through multiple agendas, scripts and discourses. This leads to contested discourses concerning the meaning and relevance of findings, often expressed through disputes over the use of language. There is a need to consider local, national and international sensitivities, structures, policies and ideologies and to negotiate a shared awareness and understanding of these differences. The case study presented here is drawn from an international collaborative research project in the area of maternal, reproductive and child health in the Middle East. Issues of difference arose in relation to the nature of the research, the significance of the findings, the terminology to be used when referring to the groups of people being studied or when presenting data. The importance of the political and social context of the research and research teams was as relevant as the research design, data collection and findings.