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Semantic tone of research 'environment' submissions in the UK's Research Evaluation Framework 2014

Thorpe, A.; Craig, R.; Hadikin, G.; Batistic, S.

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Authors

A. Thorpe

G. Hadikin

S. Batistic



Abstract

This article applies DICTION computer-assisted text analysis software to evaluate the tone of research ‘Environment’ submissions by Business and Management Studies schools in the UK’s 2014 Research Evaluation Framework. We find that submissions contain distinctive differences in semantic tone between high-ranked and low-ranked universities, particularly in terms of DICTION’s master variable, ACTIVITY. The language of high-ranked institutions has a tone of low ACTIVITY, whereas the language of low-ranked institutions has a tone of high ACTIVITY. More adjectives are used than expected: by high-ranked universities to bolster strong public reputations, and by low-ranked universities to atone for weaknesses. High-ranked universities are advantaged because they are more likely to be represented on assessing panels and be better-attuned to reader expectations. The results suggest that low-ranked universities could have achieved higher scores by reflecting on particular areas of word choice and the potential effects of those choices on assessors.

Citation

Thorpe, A., Craig, R., Hadikin, G., & Batistic, S. (2018). Semantic tone of research 'environment' submissions in the UK's Research Evaluation Framework 2014. Research Evaluation, 27(2), 53-62. https://doi.org/10.1093/reseval/rvx039

Journal Article Type Article
Online Publication Date Dec 13, 2017
Publication Date Apr 30, 2018
Deposit Date May 2, 2019
Publicly Available Date Dec 13, 2019
Journal Research Evaluation
Print ISSN 0958-2029
Electronic ISSN 1471-5449
Publisher Oxford University Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 27
Issue 2
Pages 53-62
DOI https://doi.org/10.1093/reseval/rvx039
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1302836

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Copyright Statement
This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in Research evaluation following peer review. The version of record Thorpe, A., Craig, R., Hadikin, G. & Batistic, S. (2018). Semantic tone of research 'environment' submissions in the UK's Research Evaluation Framework 2014. Research Evaluation 27(2): 53-62 is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1093/reseval/rvx039




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