By Alright, let’s talk about that often dreaded but oh-so-important part of your research paper: the recommendation in research. This section is where you get to drop some wisdom bombs about what should happen next — whether that’s more studies, policy changes, or practical steps someone could take.
Now, I learned the hard way that just tossing out vague suggestions like “more research is needed” won’t cut it. Nope, you gotta get specific. Like, “Hey, y’all, here’s exactly what to do based on these numbers I crunched.”
What’s This Recommendation in Research Thing Anyway?
Think of the recommendation in research as your “Dear Future Me” note. It’s the part where you say, “Based on what I found, here’s what you or anyone else should do.” It’s not just fluff. It’s the bridge from your geeky data to real-world impact.
I still remember the smell of Walmart’s parking lot rosemary on June 7th, 2019 — the day I first tried to write recommendations. Didn’t go so hot. My first draft was like a badly baked pie—dry and disappointing. But hey, I figured it out.
Why Bother Writing Recommendations?
Because without them, your research is like a book that no one reads. Your recommendations give your study legs. They tell people why your work matters and what to do next.
- They help policymakers make smart calls.
- They give future researchers a roadmap.
- They might even save your work from the digital graveyard.
What Should You Write in Your Recommendation in Research?
Here’s the kicker — don’t just blurt out “More research, please.” That’s the lazy way. Instead, you want recommendations that feel like a helpful nudge.
Make Your Suggestions Clear and Realistic
- Specify the kind of research or action.
- Say who should do it. Like, “Hey, teachers, y’all might wanna try this…”
One time, I wrote “It’s recommended that further studies be done.” BORING. Then I fixed it to, “Teachers should explore interactive digital tools to boost engagement in math classrooms.” Boom. Way better.
Keep It Linked to Your Findings
Your recommendations gotta have a direct line to what you found. Don’t say “Fix climate change” unless you actually studied it. (Though, honestly, if I had a magic wand, I’d fix that too.)
How to Say Your Recommendations Without Sounding Like a Robot
First off: ditch the academic snooze fest. Use clear, punchy language. Short sentences. No one wants to read a 50-word clause.
Modal verbs are your friends here. “Should,” “could,” “must,” and “may” help you strike the right tone.
- “Researchers should look into…”
- “This method could improve…”
- “Policymakers must consider…”
Oh, and here’s a confession: Their/there mix-ups? Guilty as charged. Sometimes I type “teh” instead of “the.” My keyboard has a mind of its own.
Example Time: Recommendations Done Right
- For academics: “It’s recommended that future studies use a mixed-methods approach to capture both numbers and narratives.”
- For business: “Companies should invest in customer feedback platforms to tailor services better.”
- For healthcare: “Clinicians must integrate this screening tool to catch symptoms earlier.”
See? Clear, specific, and actionable.
A Few Do’s and Don’ts for Your Recommendation in Research
Do:
- Get specific. No vague “more research needed” stuff.
- Prioritize: Start with the most important recommendations.
- Keep it doable. Don’t suggest sending humans to Mars unless your research is about space travel.
- Use your data to back up every point.
- Write like you’re talking to a curious friend, not an alien.
Don’t:
- Suggest stuff totally unrelated to your study.
- Overwhelm readers with a gazillion recommendations.
- Repeat yourself like a broken record.
- Use jargon that makes people’s eyes glaze over.
- Be too timid—if you believe in a recommendation, say it.
The Formatting Side of Recommendation in Research
Using bullet points or numbered lists? Yes, please. Makes your recommendations pop. No one wants a wall of text. Trust me on this one — my first research paper was so dense it scared off my own dog.
Also, consider subheadings. For example:
- Recommendations for Policy Makers
- Recommendations for Practitioners
- Recommendations for Future Research
Splitting it up helps readers find what they need quickly.
Where Do You Even Put These Recommendations?
Usually, recommendations sit right after your conclusion. Think of them as your final mic drop before the credits roll.
Keep them concise but packed with punch. You’re wrapping things up but also pointing the way forward.
A Little Story About My Own Recommendation Fails
I once wrote a recommendation section that was so bland, my advisor looked like he was about to doze off. Then, I reworked it after flipping through an old garden book — yeah, real analog stuff — “Garden Mishaps & Miracles” (1998, page 42, if you’re curious). Inspired, I added personality and specifics.
For example, instead of “More studies needed,” I wrote, “Future gardeners should experiment with nitrogen-rich soil — wait, no, was it potassium? Let me Google that again…” That little joke saved the whole section.
Why Your Recommendation in Research Matters More Than You Think
Here’s the real deal: a well-written recommendation can make or break the impact of your entire study. It’s your chance to nudge the world a little bit in the right direction.
Remember my neighbor Tina? She swears her backyard kale patch cured her Zoom fatigue during lockdown. No fancy stats needed to prove the power of practical advice.