What Is a Research Recommendation?
A research recommendation is a suggestion that researchers make at the end of a study based on what they discovered. It explains what should happen next, whether in practice, policy, or future research.
In simple terms:
A research recommendation is advice or guidance that helps readers know how the study’s findings can be used or what researchers should explore next.
Recommendations appear near the end of a research paper, usually in the Discussion or Conclusion section.
Why Are Research Recommendations Important?
Research doesn’t end with findings. Recommendations show the value of the study by explaining how the results can be applied or extended.
They are important because they:
- Guide practitioners, educators, policymakers, or organizations
- Suggest actions to address a problem
- Help future researchers build on existing work
- Clarify what gaps remain
- Show that the researcher has deeply understood their topic
A strong recommendation demonstrates maturity and critical thinking.
Where Do Recommendations Come From?
Your research recommendations should come directly from:
- The results of the study
- The limitations you identified
- The gaps are still present
- Issues or patterns you discovered during analysis
They must be logical, not random and clearly connected to your findings.
Types of Research Recommendations
1. Recommendations for Practice
These suggest real-world actions that professionals can take based on the findings.
Example:
If a study finds that students who use structured study schedules perform better, a recommendation might be:
- “Teachers should incorporate weekly study-planning sessions into their classes.”
2. Recommendations for Policy
These suggest changes or improvements in rules, guidelines, or organizational policies.
Example:
If research shows high workplace stress due to long shifts, a recommendation might be:
- “Healthcare institutions should implement maximum shift limits to reduce employee burnout.”
3. Recommendations for Future Research
These guide other researchers so that the investigation can continue.
They may include suggestions such as:
- Studying a different population
- Using a different methodology
- Exploring variables not covered in the current study
- Increasing sample size
- Conducting a longitudinal (long-term) study
Example:
- “Future studies should examine whether the same effects occur in rural schools.”
How to Write Strong Research Recommendations
Good recommendations should be:
✔ Clear
Avoid vague statements like “more research is needed.”
✔ Specific
Explain exactly what should be studied, changed, or improved.
✔ Feasible
Suggest realistic actions—not idealistic or impossible ones.
✔ Directly connected to findings
Every recommendation should make sense based on your results.
✔ Prioritized
The most important recommendations should come first.
Examples of Good Research Recommendations
Based on a Quantitative Study
Finding: Students with higher sleep quality perform better academically.
Recommendation:
“School administrators should provide education programs on healthy sleep habits and consider later school start times to support student well-being.”
Based on a Qualitative Study
Finding: First-year teachers feel unprepared to manage classroom behaviour.
Recommendation:
“Teacher preparation programs should include more hands-on classroom management training, such as simulated teaching or mentorship programs.”
Recommendation for Future Research
Finding: Technology improved student engagement, but only in one school.
Recommendation:
“Future research should examine whether similar engagement improvements occur in schools with different socioeconomic backgrounds.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too general: “More research should be done.”
- Not supported by findings: Recommending solutions unrelated to your results.
- Too long or complicated: Recommendations should be concise and practical.
- Repeating results: Recommendations should go beyond summary.
- Ignoring limitations: Good recommendations consider what your study could not address.
In Summary: What Is a Research Recommendation?
A research recommendation is a clear, evidence-based suggestion made at the end of a study about what should happen next. It helps:
- Apply the research in real-world settings
- Improve policies or practices
- Guide future researchers
- Extend the impact of the study
Recommendations are a crucial part of research because they show the value and usefulness of your work.
