Does having research in the specialty you're interested in really matter? What do you think is the biggest difference maker for schools to pick you for residency?

Dear QMR, 
Does having research in the specialty you're interested in really matter? What do you think is the biggest difference maker for schools to pick you for residency? 
Sincerely, 
Researching how to survive CaRMS

Dear Researching,

Many schools consider research a “strong” asset [read: requirement]. However, the impression I get from many residents, preceptors and program directors, is that research is research. I would not [and did not] worry about doing research in a specific field. No one expects you to know in your preclerkship years which specialty you’ll end up in [except maybe plastics *sighs audibly*]. Just find a fun project and learn something new.