Discussing the study’s significance (Move 1)

For one to convince fellow researchers, review committees, grant giving bodies, etc., that the proposed study is worthwhile to pursue, one has to start with outlining and justifying the study’s significance—the author’s interpretation of the specific ways in which the research will help address the research gap(s) and benefit the society and research world. To write this section successfully, one may need to refer oneself back to the research gap, the research questions, and/or hypothesis.

The author’s will often have to elaborate on his or her expectations with regard to:

the study’s theoretical contribution for advancing existing research or knowledge about the problem (e.g., extension or development of a theoretical framework or model, new problem solving techniques, innovative solutions to societal concerns, etc.)
practical benefits from the study’s findings to interested parties, such as policymakers, specific social groups, research fellows, etc. (financial benefits for certain target groups, healthcare benefits, educational and environmental impact, social policy improvements, shifts in global and local political agendas, etc.).

Over time, these initial “plans” may in fact take a different direction or shape, however, at this stage, predicting and verbalizing the final outcome is what matters the most.

Language for discussing the study's significance

Positive language

The language used to describe expected outcomes and significance (value) of the proposed study is that of positive evaluation. Hedging structures are quite common as the author only hints at how the study can be useful in advancing the research in the field or contributing to the academic community. Note that stronger claims are typically made with the help of the Present or Future Simple, while the use of modal verbs (e.g., “may,” “might,” and “could”) and verbs such as “appear/ seem to” and “tend to” suggests a more cautious interpretation of the study’s value.

Verb & noun phrases

to add to the body of research on/ knowledge about …
to advance smth (research/ knowledge in the field of…)
to be useful/ to be of use to smb
to contribute to smth (an understanding/ knowledge of …)
to enable/ to allow smb to do smth
to extend smth (the line of research, the work of …)
to have implications for smb/ smth
to help/ aid smb in smth
to provide a better understanding of smth
to shed light on / upon smth

Examples:

Such information may also help administrators communicate more effectively with external stakeholders about…
Our results may be of use to floodplain managers and planners because investigation of existing conditions may provide reasonable prediction of future conditions such as continuing incision or narrowing …
We will contribute to the empirical literature on this approach./ These endeavors not only contribute to identifying the evidence for practice and future research, but also the development of professions and research methodologies.
A study such as this one will allow academics to determine whether or not textual depictions were accurate in relation to …
The data gathered in this project will enable X to better tune their programs to the needs of the local population.
Taken together, these findings have important implications for the field of interpersonal communication.
The ﬁndings will aid us in gaining a deeper understanding of for more typical party systems ...

Adjectives

timely, significant (important), pertinent (relevant), powerful, worthwhile

This study is timely for a range of reasons.
This research is pertinent to fields of study including … Manufacturers (customers, etc.) interested in … need to be aware of ... Researchers hoping to utilize … will be well informed about …
These findings appear even more pertinent when we consider that ...
An important implication of this research for managers is that, to a certain extent, the reasons for staying in services are under the influence and control of a service firm.
Documenting how complex X is appears to be a worthwhile endeavor.