ABSTRACT
Scholars tend to access quantitative research studies that are published in the form of books, chapters, or articles in academic journals. Those forms of academic writing important to the advancement of many researchers in the context of colleges and universities are introduced in this chapter. We also discuss the peer review process as a rigorous system that provides feedback on research papers submitted for publication. We introduce the limits of academic publishing, as well, including those that occur due to the structures of the publishing industry, and we briefly discuss the open science movement. To ensure that the work of social justice research is not only an academic pursuit but rather is a contribution to interventions in injustices and inequalities, we discuss researcher engagement with the public and with the work of policy. Researchers’ uses of blogs, websites, and social media are presented as ways of sparking dialogue and action with/within the public, and advice for researchers writing for or appearing in the news is provided, as well. Examples of Communication researchers who have collaborated with advocacy organizations and/or provided expert testimony to government agencies to shape or respond to public policies are provided in the chapter. We share, as well, guidelines for researchers to follow when collaborating with change makers in policy arenas. This final chapter, then, centers on public engagement, outreach, and broad distribution of research findings and insights, all vital ways to put research to use for the greater good.
