How to Write Recommendations in Research Paper: A Complete Guide with Examples

Writing recommendations in research is a critical step in concluding your study. It involves suggesting practical actions, further areas of research, or specific applications of your findings. This section not only highlights the significance of your work but also ensures it contributes to advancing knowledge and solving real-world problems.

In this guide, you will learn how to write recommendation in research, with detailed explanations, actionable tips, and recommendation examples in research to help you craft compelling conclusions for your research paper.

What is a Recommendation in Research?

A recommendation in research refers to actionable advice or proposed solutions derived from the findings of a study. It typically addresses how the results can be applied in practical, academic writing, or policy contexts. Recommendations provide readers with a roadmap for implementing your research or exploring further questions raised by your work.

Why Are Recommendations in Research Paper Important?

• Bridges Research and Practice: Helps translate findings into actionable steps.
• Encourages Further Research: Suggests directions for future studies.
• Adds Value: Demonstrates the real-world relevance of your research.

If you're wondering, "What is recommendation in research?" think of it as the logical next step that connects your findings to practical applications and future inquiries.

Difference Between Research Recommendations and Implications

Research recommendations and implications are two distinct but interrelated components of a research study, each serving a unique purpose.

Research recommendations focus on providing actionable advice or proposing specific steps based on the study's findings. These suggestions are directed at particular stakeholders, such as policymakers, practitioners, or future researchers, and aim to bridge the gap between research and its practical application. Recommendations are forward-looking and emphasize what should be done to address the research problem, explore related areas, or apply the findings in real-world contexts.

Research implications, on the other hand, emphasize the significance and broader impact of the study's results. They explain how the findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge, influence theoretical frameworks, or affect practices and policies. Implications are interpretative, helping to contextualize the study within its field and highlighting why the results matter.

While recommendations guide future actions, implications provide insight into the meaning and relevance of the research, offering a foundation for understanding its value and potential influence.

How to Write Recommendations in Research 

Writing recommendations effectively requires clarity, relevance, and actionable insights. Follow these steps to craft meaningful recommendations for your research paper:

1. Understand Your Audience

Before drafting recommendations, consider who will read your research. Tailor your advice to meet their needs:

• Academics: Suggest areas for future research.
• Practitioners: Propose practical solutions or actions.
• Policymakers: Recommend policies or programs based on findings.

2. Review Your Research Findings

Your recommendations should directly stem from your results. Identify the key insights or trends that:

• Solve a problem.
• Reveal a gap in knowledge.
• Highlight opportunities for innovation or application.

3. Use Clear and Specific Language

Avoid vague statements. Instead, provide actionable and measurable advice. For example:

• Weak Recommendation: Researchers should study this topic more.
• Strong Recommendation: Future studies should explore the impact of online learning on high school students' performance using longitudinal methods.

4. Structure Your Recommendations

Organize your recommendations for clarity and impact:

• General Recommendations: Broad advice applicable to multiple contexts.
• Specific Recommendations: Tailored to particular stakeholders or scenarios.

In a recommendation in research paper, this structured approach ensures that your advice is both impactful and easy to follow.

Example of Recommendation in Research

Here’s an example of a well-crafted recommendation:

Research Topic: "Impact of Remote Work on Employee Productivity"

Findings:

• Remote work increases productivity for tasks requiring focus.
• Lack of social interaction affects team cohesion negatively.

Recommendation:

• For Employers: Implement hybrid work models to balance productivity and team cohesion. Schedule regular in-person meetings to foster collaboration.
• For Researchers: Investigate the long-term psychological effects of remote work on employees.

This recommendation example in research highlights how to directly connect findings with actionable advice for specific audiences.

Types of Research Recommendations

Research recommendations can vary depending on the context and the audience they are intended for. Here are the most common types of recommendations that can be included in a research paper:

Practical Recommendations:

‍These suggestions provide actionable advice aimed at addressing real-world problems. They are often directed at practitioners, organizations, or individuals who can apply the findings directly.

Example: Based on findings about remote work and productivity, companies should adopt hybrid models to balance efficiency and team cohesion.

Policy Recommendations:

‍These are aimed at policymakers and organizations that influence regulations, standards, or broader societal frameworks. They provide guidance on developing new policies or improving existing ones.

Example: Policymakers should implement regulations to encourage responsible social media use among teenagers.

Academic Recommendations:

‍Focused on the research community, these recommendations outline areas for further exploration, propose new methodologies, or address gaps in the existing literature.

Example: Future studies should investigate the psychological effects of remote work over an extended period.

Technical Recommendations:

‍These are directed at improving processes, technologies, or methodologies based on the study's insights. They often involve specific, detailed advice for technical or scientific applications.

Example: Developers should enhance data visualization tools to better support online learning platforms.

Educational Recommendations:

‍These suggestions are targeted at educators, institutions, or learners, focusing on improving educational outcomes or addressing learning challenges.

Example: Teachers should incorporate more interactive elements into virtual classrooms to increase student engagement.

Behavioral Recommendations:

‍These are aimed at encouraging changes in individual or group behaviors to achieve better outcomes, whether personal, organizational, or societal.some text

Example: Individuals should limit their screen time to reduce anxiety linked to excessive social media use.

By identifying the type of recommendation that best fits your findings and audience, you can ensure that your research has a meaningful and targeted impact.

Tips for Writing Strong Recommendations

Base Recommendations on Evidence

Every recommendation should be grounded in your research findings. Avoid speculation and ensure your advice is supported by data.

Prioritize Feasibility

Propose practical solutions that can realistically be implemented by your target audience. Consider time, resources, and constraints.

Use a Professional Tone

Maintain a formal yet accessible tone. Avoid overly technical jargon unless your audience consists of experts in the field.

Align Recommendations with Objectives

Ensure your recommendations align with the original objectives of your research. Highlight how they address the research problem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overgeneralization

Avoid making overly broad statements that lack focus or relevance. Be specific about what needs to be done and by whom.

2. Ignoring Limitations

Acknowledge the limitations of your study when making recommendations. For instance, if your sample size is small, suggest further research with larger samples.

3. Repeating Results

Recommendations should go beyond simply restating your findings. They should provide actionable next steps or insights.

4. Lack of Clarity

Ensure your recommendations are easy to understand. Avoid convoluted language or unnecessary complexity.

Research Recommendation Sample

Here is another research recommendation examples:

Research Topic: "Effects of Social Media on Mental Health"

Findings:

• Excessive social media use correlates with increased anxiety in teenagers.
• Positive interactions on social media improve self-esteem.

Recommendations:

• For Parents: Monitor teenagers’ social media usage and encourage breaks.
• For Social Media Platforms: Develop features that promote positive engagement and mental health awareness.
• For Researchers: Explore the role of parental involvement in mitigating social media’s negative effects.

This recommendations in research examples provides actionable steps for various stakeholders based on specific findings.

Extra Tips for How to Make Recommendations in Research

1. Summarize Key Findings: Start by briefly reiterating your main findings.
2. Identify Gaps or Needs: Highlight areas that require further attention or action.
3. Propose Actions: Clearly outline what should be done, who should do it, and how it can be achieved.
4. Address Feasibility: Explain why your recommendations are practical and valuable.

FAQ: How to Write Recommendations in Research

1. What is the Purpose of Recommendations in Research?

Recommendations aim to provide actionable insights based on your study’s findings, guiding stakeholders in applying the results effectively or exploring further questions.

2. How Long Should Recommendations Be?

The length depends on the scope of your research but should be concise and focused. Avoid lengthy explanations; instead, provide clear, actionable advice.

3. Can Recommendations Be Included in the Conclusion?

Yes, recommendations are often included in the conclusion section of a research paper. However, for lengthy studies, they may warrant a separate section.

4. What is a Good Recommendation in Research Example?

A good recommendation is specific, actionable, and evidence-based. For instance:

• Weak Example: Policymakers should address climate change.
• Strong Example: Policymakers should invest in renewable energy subsidies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  

Conclusion

Writing strong recommendations in research enhances the impact and relevance of your work. By providing actionable, evidence-based advice, you bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring your research contributes meaningfully to your field. Follow the steps and tips outlined here to craft recommendations that resonate with your audience and drive progress.

Armed with these strategies and examples, you’re now equipped to create compelling recommendations that leave a lasting impression on readers.