Signature methodologies? A scoping review of trends in research methods for academic development

This study explores methodological trends in academic development research, with the aim of identifying specific characteristics of the field. An exploratory review of articles published in the International Journal for Academic Development between 2014 and 2023 was conducted. The analysis revealed a clear prevalence of qualitative approaches (75.5%), followed by mixed methods (17.6%) and quantitative methods (6.9%). Interviews, reflective journals, conversations and qualitative questionnaires emerge as the main research tools, reflecting the contextual and relational nature of the work of academic developers. The results suggest that these methodologies do not indicate epistemic closure, but rather a growing maturity of the field, capable of adapting to the complexities of academic contexts. The study therefore proposes that these methodologies can be considered “signature methodologies” of the sector, contributing to the epistemic development of the discipline.