How can you address evidence gaps?

1 Identify the gap

The first step to address evidence gaps is to identify them. This means asking questions about the quality, quantity, and relevance of the evidence you have or need. For instance, you should consider how credible and trustworthy the sources of the evidence are, how consistent and valid the methods and results are, how comprehensive and representative the sample and scope of the evidence are, and how current and applicable it is to your context and purpose. By pinpointing the gap, you can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence and decide how confident you can be in your conclusions.

2 Fill the gap

The second step to address evidence gaps is to fill them - seeking more or better evidence to support your claim, decision, or action. This could involve conducting or consulting additional research or experiments to generate new or updated evidence, comparing and contrasting different sources and perspectives to find converging or diverging evidence, evaluating and synthesizing the existing evidence to identify patterns, trends, or gaps, and applying or testing the evidence in different scenarios or conditions to check its robustness and applicability. In doing so, you can enhance the quality, quantity, and relevance of the evidence and strengthen your arguments.

3 Bridge the gap

The third step to address evidence gaps is to bridge them. This involves acknowledging and communicating the limitations and implications of the evidence you have or lack. You can do this by reporting or disclosing the sources, methods, results, and assumptions of the evidence, as well as explaining or justifying the criteria, standards, and values you used to evaluate it. It's also important to discuss or acknowledge any uncertainties, risks, or trade-offs involved in using the evidence, and recommend or suggest further actions, research, or solutions based on it. By bridging the gap, you can show transparency, accountability, and responsibility in your reasoning and decision-making.

4 Monitor the gap

The fourth step to address evidence gaps is to monitor them, which involves revising and updating your claim, decision, or action based on new or changing evidence. For example, you can review the accuracy, reliability, and validity of the evidence over time; track the outcomes, impacts, and feedback of your claim, decision, or action; compare it against other alternatives or standards; and learn or improve your skills, knowledge, and attitudes based on the evidence. By monitoring the gap in this way, you can ensure that your reasoning and decision-making are aligned with the best available evidence and remain responsive to changing circumstances.

5 Avoid the gap

The fifth step to address evidence gaps is to avoid them. This means preventing or minimizing the occurrence or impact of evidence gaps in the future. To do this, you should develop a systematic and rigorous process for collecting, analyzing, and using evidence. Additionally, you can seek out experts, peers, or stakeholders who can provide or challenge evidence. It is also important to educate yourself and others on the importance and benefits of evidence-based reasoning and decision-making. You should also cultivate a curious, open-minded, and critical attitude towards evidence. Ultimately, by avoiding the gap, you can foster a culture of evidence-based reasoning and decision-making that can enhance your personal and professional growth.

6 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?