Recommendations in research play a crucial role in translating research findings into actionable insights that can influence real-world practices and policy decisions. Understanding how to write and use recommendations effectively is essential for researchers, practitioners and policymakers.
Read this comprehensive guide to explore the significance of recommendations in research and the key components of writing effective recommendations and learn practical tips and examples to help you enhance the impact of your research.
- What are recommendations in research?
- Research recommendations vs research implications
- Types of research recommendations
- Key components of research recommendations
- Tips for writing research recommendations
- Examples of research recommendations
- Using professional editing services to enhance research recommendations
- Resources for writing recommendations in research
What are recommendations in research?
The recommendations in research papers and other academic texts are essential element of academic writing. In these, academic researchers provide actionable suggestions based on the study’s findings. This section is essential for translating research results into practical applications, policy changes or directions for future research.
Purpose
The recommendations section in research papers and other academic texts serves multiple critical purposes and holds significant importance. Primarily, this section suggests how the findings can be applied in real-world scenarios. In turn, this helps practitioners and professionals implement new strategies, techniques or interventions. For instance, a study on teaching methods might recommend incorporating specific techniques into classroom practices to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. Additionally, this section advises policymakers on potential changes or considerations, influencing public policy by providing evidence-based suggestions that can lead to societal benefits. For example, research on environmental policies might recommend specific regulatory changes to reduce pollution and mitigate climate change effects.
The recommendations also identify gaps and suggest areas for further investigation. They will guide future researchers by highlighting unexplored areas, thus advancing the field of study. A study on a new medical treatment, for example, might suggest further research on long-term effects and broader demographic applications. Moreover, the recommendations section acknowledges the study’s limitations. It proposes ways to address them in future research, enhancing the reliability and validity of subsequent studies. For instance, if a study had a small sample size, the recommendation might be to conduct the research with a larger, more diverse population in future studies.
Importance
The recommendations section provides actionable insights that professionals can use to improve practices and outcomes. This guidance is crucial for educators, healthcare providers, policymakers and other practitioners who can use these recommendations to implement effective strategies and policies. Furthermore, offering evidence-based suggestions for policy decisions can lead to significant societal benefits. For instance, they may include shaping public health initiatives and improving health outcomes. Identifying promising areas for future study helps advance knowledge by guiding scientists to explore recommended areas and fill knowledge gaps. By placing the study in context and acknowledging its limitations, the recommendations make conclusions more reliable, thus improving the overall quality of research.
Research recommendations vs research implications
Research recommendations and implications are two distinct sections in academic writing that serve different purposes. Both sections are crucial for contextualising the research findings. Recommendations provide a roadmap for future actions and practical applications. In contrast, implications offer an understanding of the study’s broader impact on theory, practice and policy. Together they help bridge the gap between research and its application, ensuring that findings are understood and utilised effectively.
The recommendations section in research papers provides specific, actionable suggestions based on the study’s findings. These recommendations are aimed at practitioners, policymakers and researchers who will take direct action. They focus on future-oriented steps and often include practical applications, policy changes and suggestions for further research. For instance, if a study finds that a particular teaching method improves student engagement, the recommendation might be to implement this method across schools and conduct further research on its long-term effects.
On the other hand, the implications section explains the significance of the study’s findings and their broader impact. This section helps the academic audience understand the theoretical, practical and policy-related consequences of the research. For example, it might have implications of a study on environmental policies suggesting such regulations can effectively reduce pollution, thereby influencing future policy decisions.
Recommendations vs implications: Key differences summarised
| Recommendations | Implications | |
| Purpose | Provide actionable suggestions based on the findings | Explain the significance of findings and broader impact |
| Focus | Future-oriented actions | Understanding the impact on theory, practice, policy |
| Content | Applications, policy changes, further research | Theoretical, practical, policy implications |
| Audience | Practitioners, policymakers, researchers | Academics, theorists, practitioners |
| Scope | Narrow focus on specific actions | Broad focus on overall significance |
Types of research recommendations
There are six types of research recommendations:
- practical
- policy
- research
- theoretical
- methodological
- educational
Each serves a distinct purpose in guiding future work, practical applications, policy-making and academic discourse.
Practical recommendations
Practical recommendations provide actionable suggestions that can be directly implemented in practice. For instance, they may recommend adopting specific teaching methods in education or suggesting new clinical protocols in health care. These recommendations are based on empirical findings that demonstrate clear benefits or improvements.
Policy recommendations
Policy recommendations aim to influence policymakers by suggesting changes or considerations based on research evidence. For example, researchers might propose new environmental regulations to address issues identified in their studies. These recommendations are grounded in evidence indicating the potential for policy changes to produce positive outcomes.
Research recommendations
Research recommendations identify areas for further study and highlight gaps in current knowledge. These recommendations might suggest longitudinal studies to examine the long-term effects of an intervention or recommend replication studies in different contexts or with larger samples. They are often based on the limitations and scope of the current research, pointing out what remains unknown.
Theoretical recommendations
Theoretical recommendations propose new theoretical frameworks or modifications to existing theories. Researchers might recommend integrating new variables into existing models or suggest re-evaluating theoretical assumptions based on new findings. These recommendations stem from discussions on how research findings challenge, extend or support existing theories.
Methodological recommendations
Methodological recommendations focus on suggesting improvements or changes in research methodologies. For instance, researchers might advise using more robust statistical methods or recommend adopting mixed-method approaches for future studies. These suggestions are often based on reflections on the current study’s methodological strengths and weaknesses.
Educational recommendations
Educational recommendations guide educational practice or curriculum development. Researchers might advise professional development programs for educators based on research findings. These recommendations are derived from outcomes demonstrating the effectiveness of certain educational strategies or content.
Key components of recommendations in research
The key components of research recommendations ensure that they are clear, actionable and relevant to the intended audience. These components are essential for translating research findings into practical actions, policies and future studies. Here are the key components:
Summary of key findings
The summary of key findings provides a brief overview of the study’s main results, which form the basis for the recommendations. This ensures that readers understand the context and rationale behind the recommendations.
Example: The study found that interactive teaching methods significantly improve student engagement.
Actionable suggestions
This section offers specific, clear and practical actions that can be implemented based on the findings. Actionable suggestions provide a clear path for stakeholders to follow, making the recommendations practical and feasible.
Example: Schools should incorporate interactive teaching methods into their curriculum to enhance student engagement.
Target audience
The target audience identifies who the recommendations are intended for, such as policymakers, practitioners or researchers. This section ensures that the recommendations are relevant and directed at those who can act on them.
Example: This recommendation is aimed at educational policymakers and school administrators.
Implementation strategy
The implementation strategy in the recommendations suggests ways to implement them, including steps, needed resources and potential challenges. It helps stakeholders understand how to apply the recommendations practically.
Example: Schools can start by providing training sessions for teachers on interactive teaching methods.
Justification
Justification explains why the recommendations are important and how the study’s findings. It provides credibility and rationale, convincing stakeholders of the value of the recommendations.
Example: Implementing interactive teaching methods is justified by the observed 20% increase in student engagement in the study.
Anticipated impact
Anticipated impact describes the expected outcomes or benefits of implementing the recommendations. This section highlights the potential positive effects, encouraging stakeholders to adopt the recommendations.
Example: Increased student engagement is expected to lead to better academic performance and reduced dropout rates.
Future research directions
Future research directions suggest areas for further investigation that can build on the current study’s findings. They help advance the field by identifying gaps and opportunities for future studies.
Example: Further research should explore the long-term effects of interactive teaching methods on student performance.
Limitations
This section acknowledges any limitations of the study and how they might affect the recommendations. It provides a balanced view, helping stakeholders understand any potential constraints.
Example: These recommendations are based on data from a specific demographic and may need adjustment for broader application.
Tips for writing research recommendations
- Be clear and concise: Avoid vague language. Your recommendations should be easy to understand. For instance, instead of saying ‘improve educational practices,’ specify ‘implement interactive teaching methods in middle school mathematics classes.’
- Prioritise recommendations: If you have multiple recommendations, prioritise them based on their potential impact and feasibility. For instance, ‘First, schools should integrate interactive teaching methods, and second, they should continuously train teachers to use them effectively.’
- Align with objectives: Ensure your recommendations align with the study’s initial objectives. For example, if the study aimed to enhance student engagement, focus recommendations on methods proven to increase engagement.
- Consider stakeholder perspectives: Think about how different stakeholders (e.g. educators, policymakers, students) will be affected by your recommendations. For instance, highlight the benefits for students to gain support from educators and policymakers.
- Use evidence: Support your recommendations with data and evidence from your study. Use statistics, data and other tangible examples to support your recommendations.
- Anticipate challenges: Acknowledge potential challenges or barriers to implementation and suggest ways to overcome them.
- Be realistic: Ensure that your recommendations are realistic and achievable within the given context.
Examples of research recommendations
Example 1: Education
The study demonstrated that incorporating project-based learning (PBL) significantly enhances critical thinking skills and student engagement in high school social studies classes. Therefore, it is recommended that high schools adopt PBL methodologies within their social studies curricula to foster these skills. This recommendation targets educational policymakers, school administrators, and social studies teachers. To implement this, schools should provide professional development workshops to train teachers in PBL techniques and allocate resources for necessary materials and support.
The justification for this recommendation is based on the observed 25% increase in critical thinking skills and 20% rise in student engagement in classes that used PBL (Doe, 2023). The anticipated outcomes include higher student engagement, improved critical thinking skills, and better academic performance. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of PBL on student outcomes across various subjects. These recommendations are based on data from urban high schools and may require adjustments for different educational contexts.
Example 2: Health care
Our study found that the use of electronic health records (EHR) significantly improves patient care coordination and reduces medication errors in outpatient clinics (Smith & Brown, 2023). It is recommended that outpatient clinics implement EHR systems to enhance the quality of care. This recommendation is aimed at healthcare administrators, policymakers, and IT managers in the healthcare sector. Implementation strategies should include investing in EHR infrastructure, offering comprehensive training for medical staff, and developing supportive policies to facilitate the adoption of EHRs.
The research indicated a 30% reduction in medication errors and a 40% improvement in care coordination (Smith & Brown, 2023), justifying the need for widespread EHR implementation. Improved patient care coordination is expected to lead to better health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. Further research should assess the long-term benefits of EHR systems in different healthcare settings. These recommendations are based on data from outpatient clinics and may need adaptation for other healthcare environments.
Example 3: Environmental science
The research indicated that the implementation of green infrastructure, such as bioswales and green roofs, plays a crucial role in mitigating urban flooding and improving water quality (Johnson 2023). Therefore, it is recommended that urban planners and municipal governments integrate green infrastructure into city planning to address these issues. This recommendation is directed towards urban planners, municipal governments, and environmental policymakers. To implement this, cities should incorporate green infrastructure projects into urban development plans and provide incentives for private developers to include green infrastructure in new constructions.
The data showed a 15% reduction in urban flooding incidents and significant improvements in water quality where green infrastructure was implemented (Johnson 2023). Anticipated outcomes include reduced urban flooding, enhanced water quality, and improved urban resilience to climate change. Future studies should explore the cost-effectiveness and long-term environmental benefits of green infrastructure in various climatic regions. These recommendations are based on data from temperate climates and may require modifications for different environmental conditions.
Example 4: Business
The study found that the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives leads to increased consumer loyalty and brand trust in the retail sector (Adams and Clark 2023). It is recommended that retail companies adopt comprehensive CSR strategies to enhance their market position. This recommendation is aimed at corporate executives, marketing managers, and business strategists. To implement CSR initiatives effectively, companies should integrate them into their core business strategies, engage stakeholders, and communicate their CSR efforts transparently.
The findings demonstrated a 20% increase in consumer loyalty and a 25% rise in brand trust among companies with strong CSR programs (Adams and Clark 2023). The expected outcomes include improved consumer loyalty, enhanced brand reputation, and increased market competitiveness. Future research should examine the long-term impacts of CSR initiatives on financial performance and consumer behaviour in various industries. These recommendations are based on data from the retail sector and may require adjustments for other business contexts.
Using professional editing services to enhance research recommendations
Professional editing services can significantly enhance the quality and clarity of your research recommendations, making them more compelling and suitable for publication. Here is how different types of editing services can assist:
Proofreading
Proofreading focuses on correcting surface errors such as grammar, punctuation, spelling and formatting issues. It ensures your recommendations are free from typos and grammatical errors, enhancing readability and professionalism. Moreover, it maintains consistent terminology and formatting throughout your document, which is particularly important in academic writing.
Example
- Before: ‘Incorporate interactve teaching methods to enhnace student engagement.’
- After: ‘Incorporate interactive teaching methods to enhance student engagement.’
Copyediting
Copyediting involves a thorough review of the text to correct grammar, punctuation, syntax and usage errors, as well as ensuring consistency in style and tone. It improves the clarity and flow of your recommendations, making them easier to understand. Furthermore, it ensures your recommendations adhere to the specific formatting guidelines of the journal or publisher.
Example
- Before: ‘Schools should implement interactive teaching methods they should also train teachers.’
- After: ‘Schools should implement interactive teaching methods and also provide training for teachers.’
Line editing
Line editing focuses on the content, style and language of each line. It looks at word choice, sentence structure and the overall effectiveness of the language used. It refines sentence structure and word choice to make your recommendations more engaging and impactful. In addition, it ensures your recommendations are clearly articulated and persuasively presented.
Example
- Before: ‘Interactive teaching methods are good because they make students more engaged.’
- After: ‘Interactive teaching methods significantly increase student engagement, fostering a more dynamic and effective learning environment.’
Developmental editing
Developmental editing addresses the big picture of your manuscript. It involves evaluating the structure, organisation and content to ensure that your research is effectively communicated. Developmental editing helps organise your recommendations in a logical and coherent manner, ensuring each suggestion builds on the previous one. It also provides detailed feedback on the overall structure and effectiveness of your recommendations, identifying any gaps or areas for improvement.
Example
- Before: ‘Recommendations: 1. Use interactive methods. 2. Train teachers. 3. Improve student engagement.’
- After: ‘Based on our findings, we recommend the following: First, schools should integrate interactive teaching methods into their curriculum to enhance student engagement. Second, comprehensive training programs should be implemented so that teachers can effectively utilise these methods. Last, continuous assessment should be conducted to monitor and further improve student engagement.’
Resources for writing recommendations in research
University writing centres and libraries
- Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) offers extensive guides on academic writing, including how to structure and write recommendations in research papers.
- Harvard College Writing Center provides tips and strategies for writing various sections of research papers, including recommendations.
- University of Southern California Libraries offer detailed guides on writing research recommendations and other sections of academic papers.
Academic books and journals
- The Craft of Research by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb and Joseph M. Williams is a comprehensive guide to conducting and presenting research, including writing effective recommendations.
- How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing by Paul J. Silvia offers practical advice for academic writing, including structuring recommendations.
- Writing for Social Scientists: How to Start and Finish Your Thesis, Book, or Article by Howard S. Becker provides insights into writing and revising academic work, including recommendations.
Online courses and workshops
- Coursera offers courses on academic writing and research methods that include sections on writing recommendations.
- edX provides courses on writing and publishing in academia, often covering how to formulate recommendations.
- FutureLearn offers online courses on academic writing, including how to structure research papers and write effective recommendations.
Key takeaways
The recommendations in research are crucial for providing actionable suggestions based on the study’s findings aimed at practitioners, policymakers and researchers who will take direct action. It plays a significant role in translating research results into practical applications, policy changes and suggestions for further research. The primary purpose of the recommendations section is to guide how findings can be applied in real-world scenarios, helping practitioners and professionals implement new strategies, techniques or interventions while advising policymakers on potential changes or considerations. Furthermore, this section identifies gaps and suggests areas for further investigation, guiding future researchers and advancing the field of study. It also acknowledges the study’s limitations and proposes ways to address them in future research, thus enhancing the reliability and validity of subsequent studies.
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