Metaresearch

Interdisciplinary research requires a willingness to explore and understand unfamiliar disciplinary cultures. Integrating new methods, terminology, and assumptions can be complex and challenging.

We are currently evaluating our collaborative model using reflective practice to develop a theory of change. This research on research (or metaresearch) documents collaborative processes across our disciplines Our key findings will be made available in late 2027.

This will allow us to explore the effectiveness of interdisciplinary, intersectoral approaches for enabling change at a local and national level. The theory we develop will help to advance understanding of the active ingredients and necessary conditions for effective interdisciplinary working and innovation.

Underpinning this meta-study is a small-scale research pilot focused on developing a reading comprehension test for adolescents. This test focuses on expository texts (not narratives), of a difficulty level comparable to what is encountered at GCSE level or in the youth justice system. Our pilot is a proof-of-concept study for the design of a novel task testing young people’s ability to infer the correct information from the texts.

The longer-term goal is to develop a brief, practical screener capable of identifying the language support needs of young people navigating the youth justice system, where unrecognised literacy difficulties can have serious consequences for how individuals understand and engage with legal processes.