Module 6
The Core ISDC Framework: The Quality of Research for Development (QoR4D)

Legitimacy means that the research process is fair and ethical, and perceived as such. This encompasses the ethical and equitable representation of all involved and consideration of interests and perspectives of intended users. Legitimacy suggests transparency, sound management of potential conflicts of interest, genuine involvement of partners in codesign and codelivery demonstrating recognition of partners’ contributions.

Relevance refers to the importance, significance, and usefulness of the research objectives, processes, and findings to the problem context and to society, associated with CGIAR’s capacity to address the problems.

Effectiveness (Positioned for Use) means that research generates knowledge, products, and services with high potential to address a problem and contribute to innovations, outcomes, and impacts. Effectiveness implies that research is designed, implemented, and positioned for use within a dynamic theory of change, with appropriate leadership, capacity development, diversity of research skills, and support to the enabling environment to translate knowledge to use and to help generate desired outcomes. To achieve target outcomes, the research requires a clear path to impact in one or more of the CGIAR five Impact Areas, regardless of where across the spectrum the research sits, from fundamental to applied.

Scientific credibility requires that research findings be robust and that sources of knowledge be dependable and sound. This includes a clear demonstration that data used are accurate, that the methods used to procure the data are fit for purpose, and that findings are clearly presented and logically interpreted.