Measuring Convergence in Science and Engineering Proceedings of a Workshop (2021) / Chapter Skim
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8 Feasibility and Implementation
8 Feasibility and Implementation
Pages 57-66
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From page 57... ...
Based on the workshop discussion to that point, Kalton observed that a lthough the multidimensional aspects of convergence seem to be essential, they also create real challenges with respect to measurement in existing large-scale surveys. If one or two dimensions could be identified that could be used to provide imperfect indicators of convergence, though, it might be possible to collect data on a national scale that could be used to move the field forward.
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From page 58... ...
Concerning the challenges presented in this workshop, Schaeffer asked, what unit of analysis does convergence belong to, what is its conceptual definition, and what is its operational definition? To help explicate this approach more systematically, Schaeffer presented a tentative conceptual model of the social processes and actors that generate convergence (or not)
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From page 59... ...
The workshop participants heard absorbing discussions about the ways in which universities can foster interdisciplinary or convergent work, such as making bookkeeping and accounting systems communicate seamlessly across different units. These institutions are also the data collection units for the NCSES surveys that serve important roles in the measurement of
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From page 60... ...
Information gathered for projects could be collected by institutions and aggregated to yield measures at a national level. Such measures could be more reliable than measures that ask investigators to assess the convergent qualities of their research projects.
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From page 61... ...
To understand questions regarding a larger-scale or long-term impact on researchers, NCSES could conduct a longitudinal or panel study (such as the Survey of Doctorate Recipients, or SDR) with measures based on its priorities.
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From page 62... ...
because this distinction will hold considerable implications for the data collection procedures. Smyth added that the determination of what will be the most critical issue to address is the core challenge.
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From page 63... ...
Kalton asked if and how interdisciplinarity has been measured at a national level in other countries? Hall noted that in the coming weeks, she would be meeting with a group of scientists from the Swiss equivalent to the NSF at a workshop that would grapple with similar issues of defining and measuring convergent research.
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From page 64... ...
Given the lack of a complete definition and in light of the nonsurvey data presented in the workshop, he believes it might be worthwhile to identify projects deemed to reflect successful convergence efforts. New research could follow successful approaches to work toward an empirically based set of metrics before developing a formal definition to be used in a national survey.
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From page 65... ...
Smyth noted that it may be premature to consider adding measures to a sample survey because it could have unintended consequences.
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