Recognition of Authorship

Extending authorship beyond the sole researcher, to recognise the contributions of others involved in the research.

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+problem

Authorship of research outputs (which may be reports, articles in academic journals,  etc) is often limited to one researcher. This often doesn't reflect the time, energy and ideas put into the research by others involved. Authorship can also bring significant benefits - institutonal pressures provide one reason why many academics stick to the single-authoring model. But many others practice fairer alternatives.  

  

+background

The benefits that come from publishing and authorship may be significant, and so it's important that sharing these is considered. On research teams, it is good practice for all of those who have had a significant contribution to be named as contributors on outputs. This can be extended to researchers within community groups or other participants who have had major input.

 

Varying levels and forms of collaboration in authorship may be appropriate, according to the nature of the research and writing processes. Of course, some participants may be uninterested in co-authorship (or may have reasons for wanting to remain anonymous). Writing collectives can be one solution to this - there are growing numbers of collectives that involve academics writing papers with with non-academics (e.g. Durham University Research Team 2011).

 

Example: collaborative ethnography guy

 

  

+solution

Consider extending authorship beyond the sole researcher, to recognise the contributions of all those involved in the research. As with all collaborative endeavours, this needs to be discussed and agreed according to the wishes of those involved.

  
  

+sources

Durham Community Research Team (2011) Community-based Participatory Research: Ethical Challenges Centre for Social Justice and Community Action, Durham University

 

  
 
 
 
 
 
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