The quality of research evidence in social policy: consensus and dissension among researchers

Social policy researchers' perceptions of the quality of published work were explored through an online questionnaire, discussion groups and telephone interviews. While there was general agreement on some criteria of quality, there was dissension on others. For example, there were different interpretations of the concepts of 'originality', 'significance' and 'rigour' and differing perceptions of their importance. Criteria of quality deemed to be 'very important' included accessibility of published work and appropriate and transparent research methods. Those perceived as less important included publication of work in refereed academic journals. The concept of quality was not found to be uniform but contested, with respondents having a range of views.