Improving the use of research evidence in ways that benefit youth

Overview

<p>One of two focus areas for WT Grant Foundation. We recognize that research use is rarely a simple process whereby research “facts” are passed from researchers to research users and then applied in a rational decision-making process. As the Foundation commits to renewed interest in this area, we shift our focus from understanding how and under what conditions research is used to understanding how to create those conditions.<br>Our renewed focus includes: Investigations to identify, create, and test the structural and social conditions that foster more routine and constructive uses of existing research evidence.<br>Studies to identify, create, and test the incentives, structures, and relationships that facilitate the production of new research evidence that responds to decision makers’ needs.<br>Studies that investigate whether and under what conditions using high quality research evidence improves decision making and youth outcomes. To propose research on improving the use of research evidence, applicants should clearly identify how they conceptualize and will operationalize the use of research evidence. Studies should focus on an area in which a body of research evidence, if used, has the potential to benefit youth. Proposals should be strong both theoretically and methodologically. Studies that seek to develop novel measures and methods for capturing research use are also welcome.</p>