Constructive Research: Making Journalism Research Matter

It is high time for journalism researchers to reconsider their roles and responsibilities. While scholarly output continues to grow – becoming increasingly sophisticated in theoretical, conceptual, methodological, and empirical terms – too little of it contributes meaningfully to the development of journalistic practice. This article, part of the Provocations in Journalism Studies series, advocates a more constructive approach to research. It argues that there is a productive middle ground between passivist research, which remains indifferent to the real-world implications of its findings, and activist research, which is driven by narrow national, organizational, political, or personal interests. To chart this middle ground, the article draws inspiration from the constructive journalism movement. Here, journalists increasingly aim not only to identify problems but also to report on solutions and prompt action in ways that foster societal progress. The article begins by reviewing the prevailing roles and responsibilities of researchers in general, and journalism scholars in particular. It then introduces a typology that outlines how constructive researchers can contribute more meaningfully to both scholarship and practice. Finally, it explores how internal and external forces shape our work, and considers how we might navigate these influences to ensure that our research achieves greater societal relevance.