Blackwell Reference Online

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When considering how the lessons learned from science can be used by those audiences who might benefit from them, the term “research dissemination” ( Lomas 1993 ) has been coined to focus on the active process by which information gleaned from science is actively communicated to those audiences who are thought to be most likely to benefit from this information. However, there is considerable confusion in terminology among those who focus on this important issue. Thus, “communication,” “diffusion,” and “dissemination” are often used interchangeably to describe the processes by which information from science is moved into the public or practice domains (→  Diffusion of Information and Innovation ). Similarly when focused on the benefits of research dissemination processes, knowledge transfer, translational research, research translation, knowledge integration, and knowledge implementation are often presented as comparable outcomes from research dissemination. With respect to research dissemination processes, the terms “communication,” “diffusion,” and “dissemination” have overlapping but different meanings. As such, they are often confused with one another. In simplest terms, communication is the provision of information through sounds and signs (sight) that can be transmitted to single individuals, small and large groups, organizations, communities, and mass populations. Communication ... log in or subscribe to read full text