Last updated on Sep 25, 2024

How can you evaluate the relevance of your research?

As a research manager, you need to ensure that your research projects are relevant to your field, your stakeholders, and your objectives. Relevance is not a fixed or objective criterion, but rather a dynamic and contextual one that depends on various factors and perspectives. How can you evaluate the relevance of your research and communicate it effectively to your audience? Here are some tips to help you.

1 Define your research question

The first step to evaluate the relevance of your research is to define your research question clearly and precisely. Your research question should address a gap or problem in the existing knowledge or practice, and have a specific and measurable outcome. It should also be aligned with your research purpose, scope, and resources. A well-defined research question will guide your research design and methodology, and help you avoid irrelevant or unnecessary data collection and analysis.

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Rüdiger Eichin

Head of Industry-University Collaboration SAP Labs Munich
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In the case of research in the context of industry or collaborations with industry, relevance is achieved via the application of outcomes. Directly in products, services or processes, or indirectly via providing knowledge and new impulses to industry experts or even relevant stakeholders at customers and partners.

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Ziqi Zhang

Senior Data Scientist at Accessible Intelligence, LLM solution developer, prompt engineer
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It's important to note that these points should not be viewed as sequential steps. It's common to revisit them in cycles, continuously refining and improving each task. For instance, you may not fully define your research question until you've thoroughly reviewed the literature and identified key gaps.

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Faoziah 'Shade Gamu

PhD Researcher at University of Ulster
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The definition of the research questions cannot be over emphasized. The activity will ensure the Researcher keeps abreast of the work ahead.

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Gvantsa Salukvadze, PhD

🇬🇪🇪🇺 Co-Founder @SCIEN • საიენი | Forbes 30U30 | Transdisciplinary Research, Science4Policy and Project Management
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To evaluate the relevance of your research, consider its alignment with current societal issues or community needs, assess the gap it fills in existing literature, seek feedback from stakeholders and peers, and measure its potential impact on policy or practice. Additionally, review the applicability of your findings to real-world situations and the extent to which they address the research questions or objectives.

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2 Identify your target audience

The second step to evaluate the relevance of your research is to identify your target audience and their needs, expectations, and interests. Your target audience may include academic peers, practitioners, policymakers, funders, or beneficiaries of your research. You need to understand who they are, what they value, and how they use or apply your research findings. You also need to consider how to tailor your research communication and dissemination strategies to suit their preferences and formats.

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3 Review the literature

The third step to evaluate the relevance of your research is to review the literature and the state of the art in your field. You need to demonstrate how your research contributes to the advancement of knowledge, theory, or practice, and how it fills a gap or addresses a challenge in the existing literature. You also need to acknowledge and cite the sources that inform or support your research, and show how you build on or differ from them.

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4 Analyze your data

The fourth step to evaluate the relevance of your research is to analyze your data and interpret your results. You need to use appropriate and rigorous methods and tools to collect, process, and analyze your data, and ensure that they are valid, reliable, and ethical. You also need to interpret your results in relation to your research question, objectives, and hypotheses, and explain how they answer or solve them. You should also discuss the limitations, implications, and recommendations of your research, and how they can inform future research or practice.

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5 Compare your findings

The fifth step to evaluate the relevance of your research is to compare your findings with those of other researchers or practitioners in your field or domain. You need to show how your findings confirm, contradict, or complement the existing evidence or knowledge, and how they add value or novelty to it. You should also consider how your findings relate to the broader context or trends in your field or domain, and how they can influence or inform them.

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Sanya Kapur

M.Phil Clinical Psychology Trainee (RCI) | Research Scholar | Gold Medalist (Bsc)
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To evaluate the relevance of my research, I would first assess how it addresses current gaps in the literature and its potential to solve real-world problems. I’d also consider the practical applications of the findings and whether they align with societal needs, emerging trends, or critical issues in my field. Engaging with feedback from peers, experts, and stakeholders could help gauge the impact and usefulness of the research. Lastly, I’d ensure that my research has the potential to inspire further studies or contribute to policy and practice in meaningful ways.

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6 Communicate your impact

The sixth and final step to evaluate the relevance of your research is to communicate your impact and significance to your target audience and stakeholders. You need to highlight how your research addresses a relevant problem or question, how it benefits or affects your audience or stakeholders, and how it contributes to the social, economic, environmental, or cultural well-being or development. You should also use clear, concise, and engaging language and visuals to convey your key messages and findings, and invite feedback or collaboration from your audience or stakeholders.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Karla Pelegrino

Genetics | Genomics | Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein
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It is necessary to be aware of biases. Often, when we want to communicate something in science, we seek articles and other works that support our hypothesis, that strengthen our point of view. It is also important to do the counterintuitive exercise: looking for counterarguments, false points, and limitations. This helps strengthen scientific thinking and enriches the relevance of the research.

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How can you evaluate the relevance of your research?

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1 Define your research question

2 Identify your target audience

3 Review the literature

4 Analyze your data

5 Compare your findings

6 Communicate your impact

7 Here’s what else to consider

Research Management

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