Learn and Serve America's National Service-Learning Clearinghouse

"Research, especially fundamental or basic research, differs from evaluation in that its primary purpose is to generate or test theory and contribute to knowledge for the sake of knowledge. Such knowledge, and the theories that undergird knowledge, may subsequently inform action and evaluation, but action is not the primary purpose of fundamental research."–M.Q. Patton, Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods

This Research Capacity Hub, developed in collaboration with the Center for Service and Learning at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, provides resources, highlights known and emerging scholars, builds capacity to conduct and publish research, disseminates information, and secures external funding.

Research, including experimental studies, is directed at understanding why a program produced a particular result. Thus, whereas program evaluation gives useful information about a particular program and its outcomes, research informs a knowledge base that informs others about future program design and practice by evaluating the usefulness and scope of a theory that is the basis for the program or intervention. Resources for evaluation and assessment will not be included in the contents of the Hub. For more information on each, go to Beyond Needs Assessments: Identifying A Community’s Resources and Hopes (NSLC Fact Sheet). For more information about program evaluation, see Tools and Methods for Evaluating Service-Learning in Higher Education (NSLC Fact Sheet).

• Fundamentals of Research
  • Conducting Service-Learning Research
  • Research Methods
  • Selecting Research / Selecting Research Instruments
• Tools for Conducting Quality Service-Learning Research
  • Data Sets
  • Inventories / Checklists
  • Rubrics
  • Surveys / Questionnaires
  • Scales
• Publishing & Presenting
  • Publishing
  • Presenting
  • Securing Funding
• Scholars
  • Emerging Scholars
  • Established Scholars