how to write research implications

Research Implications 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Writing for Impact

• November 5, 2024

Dr. Marvin L. Smith

When conducting research , collecting data is just the beginning. 

The real impact lies in understanding the research implications — the practical, theoretical, and future research possibilities that emerge from your findings. 

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of research implications , provide examples, and guide you on how to write implications in research that inform, inspire, and drive meaningful change.

Table of Contents

What are the research implications?

Research implications are the potential consequences, effects, or outcomes that arise from research findings, suggesting practical applications, theoretical insights, or directions for future research.

Research implications highlight your research’s “so what” factor, explaining why your findings matter, who they affect, and how they can be used to drive positive change. 

They provide:

• A bridge between research and practice.
• Helping to translate complex research findings into actionable recommendations.
• Practical solutions.
• New avenues for investigation.

Types of implications in research

Research implications can be categorized into several types, each with its own significance and applications. Understanding these types can help researchers better articulate the significance of their findings and guide stakeholders in implementing the results.

1. Practical Implications

Practical implications refer to the potential applications of research findings in real-world settings. They highlight how research results can be used to inform policy, improve practices, or develop new products and services.  

Practical implications are often the most tangible and immediate, providing actionable insights that can be used to address pressing problems or needs. 

For example, a study on the effectiveness of a new teaching method might have practical implications for educators, policymakers, and school administrators, informing the development of new educational programs or policies.

2. Theoretical Implications

Theoretical implications, on the other hand, relate to the conceptual or explanatory significance of research findings. They highlight how research results contribute to developing or refining theories, models, or frameworks. 

Theoretical implications are essential for advancing knowledge and understanding in a particular field, as they provide a foundation for future research and inform the development of new hypotheses. 

For instance, a study on the relationship between climate change and human migration might have theoretical implications for understanding the complex dynamics between environmental and social systems.

3. Implications for Future Research

Implications for future research refer to the potential avenues for further investigation that arise from research findings. They highlight areas where more research is needed, identify gaps in current knowledge, and provide a foundation for future studies. 

Implications for future research are essential for advancing knowledge and understanding in a particular field, as they guide the development of new research questions, hypotheses, and methodologies. 

For example, a study on the effects of social media on mental health might have implications for future research on the topic, such as investigating the impact of specific social media platforms or exploring the role of social media in mental health interventions.

4. Policy Implications

Policy implications refer to the potential impact of research findings on policy decisions, laws, or regulations. They highlight how research results can inform policy development, implementation, or evaluation.  

Policy implications are critical for ensuring that research findings are translated into actionable policies that address pressing social, economic, or environmental issues. 

For instance, a study on the economic benefits of investing in renewable energy might have policy implications for governments, guiding the development of energy policies and regulations.

5. Social Implications

Social implications refer to the potential impact of research findings on society, including social norms, values, and behaviors. They highlight how research results can inform social change, promote social justice, or address social inequalities.  

Social implications are essential for ensuring that research findings are translated into positive social outcomes, such as improving public health, reducing poverty, or promoting human rights.

For example, a study on the effects of systemic racism on health outcomes might have social implications for addressing health disparities and promoting social justice.

Implications vs recommendations

In research, implications and recommendations are two related but distinct concepts. While both are derived from research findings, they serve different purposes and characteristics. Understanding the difference between implications and recommendations is essential for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to translate research into practice effectively.

Implications:

Implications are the potential consequences, effects, or outcomes that arise from research findings. They highlight the research results’ significance, relevance, and potential applications. Implications are often more abstract and broader in scope, providing a foundation for future research, policy development, or practical applications.

Recommendations:

Recommendations, on the other hand, are specific, actionable suggestions that arise from research findings. They provide concrete guidance for policymakers, practitioners, or other stakeholders on how to address a particular issue or problem. Recommendations are often more specific and narrower in scope, focusing on a specific course of action or intervention.

How to write research implications

Writing research implications is crucial in communicating the significance and potential applications of your research findings. Effective implications can help researchers, policymakers, and practitioners understand the relevance and importance of your research and guide the development of future research, policy, or practice. 

Here are some tips on how to write research implications :

• Start with a clear understanding of your research findings : Before writing implications, ensure you clearly understand your research results and their significance.
• Identify the key stakeholders : Consider who the key stakeholders are for your research, including policymakers, practitioners, researchers, or the general public.
• Focus on the most important findings : Highlight the most significant and relevant findings that have implications for your stakeholders.
• Use clear and concise language : Avoid technical jargon or complex terminology that may be difficult for non-experts to understand.
• Be specific and concrete : Avoid vague or general statements; instead, provide specific and concrete examples of how your research findings can be applied.
• Consider multiple perspectives : Think about the potential implications of your research from different perspectives, including economic, social, environmental, or cultural.

Research implication example

A study on the effectiveness of a new teaching method for improving student outcomes might have the following implications:

• Practical implications : The new teaching method can be implemented in schools to improve student outcomes, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Theoretical implications : The study’s findings contribute to understanding how students learn and how teachers can effectively support student learning.
• Policy implications : The study’s findings suggest policymakers should consider investing in teacher training programs focusing on the new teaching method.
• Future research implications : Future research should investigate the long-term effects of the new teaching method on student outcomes and explore how to scale up the method to reach more students.

Example of Research Implications in a Research Paper:

“The findings of this study have several implications for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. Firstly, the results suggest that the new teaching method effectively improves student outcomes, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This has practical implications for schools and teachers, who can implement the method to improve student learning. The study’s findings also contribute to understanding how students learn and how teachers can effectively support student learning, with theoretical implications for developing new teaching methods. Furthermore, the study’s results suggest that policymakers should consider investing in teacher training programs that focus on the new teaching method, with policy implications for education policy. Finally, the study’s findings highlight the need for future research to investigate the long-term effects of the new teaching method on student outcomes, and explore how to scale up the method to reach more students.”

Tips for Writing Implications in a Research Paper:

• Use a clear and concise writing style
• Use headings and subheadings to organize your implications
• Use bullet points or numbered lists to highlight key implications
• Use concrete examples and case studies to illustrate your implications
• Use tables, figures , or graphs to visualize your implications
• Consider using a separate section for implications or integrating them throughout the paper.

Where do you add research implications in your paper?

Research implications can be added in various sections of a research paper, depending on the purpose and scope of the study. 

Here are some common places where research implications can be added:

• Introduction : In the introduction section , research implications can be mentioned to provide context and relevance to the study.
• Discussion : The discussion section is a common place to add research implications as the results are interpreted and implications are drawn.
• Conclusion : The conclusion section is another place where research implications can be added, as it summarizes the main findings and implications of the study.
• Recommendations : Some papers may have a separate section for recommendations, which can include research implications.
• Future Research Directions : This section can include research implications that suggest avenues for future research.
• Policy Implications : If the study has policy implications, a separate section can be added to discuss these implications.
• Practical Implications : Similarly, if the study has practical implications, a separate section can be added to discuss these implications.

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Research Implications & Recommendations

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | May 2024

T he research implications and recommendations are closely related but distinctly different concepts that often trip students up. Here, we’ll unpack them using plain language and loads of examples , so that you can approach your project with confidence.

Overview: Implications & Recommendations

• What are research implications ?
• What are research recommendations ?
• Examples of implications and recommendations
• The “ Big 3 ” categories
• How to write the implications and recommendations
• Template sentences for both sections
• Key takeaways

Implications & Recommendations 101

Let’s start with the basics and define our terms.

At the simplest level, research implications refer to the possible effects or outcomes of a study’s findings. More specifically, they answer the question, “ What do these findings mean?” . In other words, the implications section is where you discuss the broader impact of your study’s findings on theory, practice and future research.

This discussion leads us to the recommendations section , which is where you’ll propose specific actions based on your study’s findings and answer the question, “ What should be done next?” . In other words, the recommendations are practical steps that stakeholders can take to address the key issues identified by your study.

In a nutshell, then, the research implications discuss the broader impact and significance of a study’s findings, while recommendations provide specific actions to take, based on those findings. So, while both of these components are deeply rooted in the findings of the study, they serve different functions within the write up.

Need a helping hand?

Examples: Implications & Recommendations

The distinction between research implications and research recommendations might still feel a bit conceptual, so let’s look at one or two practical examples:

Let’s assume that your study finds that interactive learning methods significantly improve student engagement compared to traditional lectures. In this case, one of your recommendations could be that schools incorporate more interactive learning techniques into their curriculums to enhance student engagement.

Let’s imagine that your study finds that patients who receive personalised care plans have better health outcomes than those with standard care plans. One of your recommendations might be that healthcare providers develop and implement personalised care plans for their patients.

Now, these are admittedly quite simplistic examples, but they demonstrate the difference (and connection ) between the research implications and the recommendations. Simply put, the implications are about the impact of the findings, while the recommendations are about proposed actions, based on the findings.

The “Big 3” Categories

Now that we’ve defined our terms, let’s dig a little deeper into the implications – specifically, the different types or categories of research implications that exist.

Broadly speaking, implications can be divided into three categories – theoretical implications, practical implications and implications for future research .

Theoretical implications relate to how your study’s findings contribute to or challenge existing theories. For example, if a study on social behaviour uncovers new patterns, it might suggest that modifications to current psychological theories are necessary.

Practical implications , on the other hand, focus on how your study’s findings can be applied in real-world settings. For example, if your study demonstrated the effectiveness of a new teaching method, this would imply that educators should consider adopting this method to improve learning outcomes.

Practical implications can also involve policy reconsiderations . For example, if a study reveals significant health benefits from a particular diet, an implication might be that public health guidelines be re-evaluated.

Last but not least, there are the implications for future research . As the name suggests, this category of implications highlights the research gaps or new questions raised by your study. For example, if your study finds mixed results regarding a relationship between two variables, it might imply the need for further investigation to clarify these findings.

To recap then, the three types of implications are the theoretical, the practical and the implications on future research. Regardless of the category, these implications feed into and shape the recommendations , laying the foundation for the actions you’ll propose.

How To Write The Sections

Now that we’ve laid the foundations, it’s time to explore how to write up the implications and recommendations sections respectively.

Let’s start with the “ where ” before digging into the “ how ”. Typically, the implications will feature in the discussion section of your document, while the recommendations will be located in the conclusion . That said, layouts can vary between disciplines and institutions, so be sure to check with your university what their preferences are.

For the implications section, a common approach is to structure the write-up based on the three categories we looked at earlier – theoretical, practical and future research implications. In practical terms, this discussion will usually follow a fairly formulaic sentence structure – for example:

This research provides new insights into [theoretical aspect], indicating that…

The study’s outcomes highlight the potential benefits of adopting [specific practice] in..

This study raises several questions that warrant further investigation, such as…

Moving onto the recommendations section, you could again structure your recommendations using the three categories. Alternatively, you could structure the discussion per stakeholder group – for example, policymakers, organisations, researchers, etc.

Again, you’ll likely use a fairly formulaic sentence structure for this section. Here are some examples for your inspiration: 

Based on the findings, [specific group] should consider adopting [new method] to improve…

To address the issues identified, it is recommended that legislation should be introduced to…

Researchers should consider examining [specific variable] to build on the current study’s findings.

Remember, you can grab a copy of our tried and tested templates for both the discussion and conclusion sections over on the Grad Coach blog. You can find the links to those, as well as loads of other free resources, in the description 🙂

FAQs: Implications & Recommendations

Research implications & recommendations, how do i determine the implications of my study.

To do this, you’ll need to consider how your findings address gaps in the existing literature, how they could influence theory, practice, or policy, and the potential societal or economic impacts.

When thinking about your findings, it’s also a good idea to revisit your introduction chapter, where you would have discussed the potential significance of your study more broadly. This section can help spark some additional ideas about what your findings mean in relation to your original research aims. 

Should I discuss both positive and negative implications?

Absolutely. You’ll need to discuss both the positive and negative implications to provide a balanced view of how your findings affect the field and any limitations or potential downsides.

Can my research implications be speculative?

Yes and no. While implications are somewhat more speculative than recommendations and can suggest potential future outcomes, they should be grounded in your data and analysis. So, be careful to avoid overly speculative claims.

How do I formulate recommendations?

Ideally, you should base your recommendations on the limitations and implications of your study’s findings. So, consider what further research is needed, how policies could be adapted, or how practices could be improved – and make proposals in this respect.

How specific should my recommendations be?

Your recommendations should be as specific as possible, providing clear guidance on what actions or research should be taken next. As mentioned earlier, the implications can be relatively broad, but the recommendations should be very specific and actionable. Ideally, you should apply the SMART framework to your recommendations.

Can I recommend future research in my recommendations?

Absolutely. Highlighting areas where further research is needed is a key aspect of the recommendations section. Naturally, these recommendations should link to the respective section of your implications (i.e., implications for future research).

Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways

We’ve covered quite a bit of ground here, so let’s quickly recap.

• Research implications refer to the possible effects or outcomes of a study’s findings.
• The recommendations section, on the other hand, is where you’ll propose specific actions based on those findings.
• You can structure your implications section based on the three overarching categories – theoretical, practical and future research implications.
• You can carry this structure through to the recommendations as well, or you can group your recommendations by stakeholder.

Remember to grab a copy of our tried and tested free dissertation template, which covers both the implications and recommendations sections. If you’d like 1:1 help with your research project, be sure to check out our private coaching service, where we hold your hand throughout the research journey, step by step.

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How to Write Implications in Research

• Implications definition
• Recommendations vs implications
• Types of implications in research
• Step-by-step implications writing guide

Research implications examples

What the implications of the research definition?

• Theoretical implications stand for all the new additions to theories that have already been presented in the past. At the same time, one can use a totally new theory that provides a background and a framework for a study.
• Practical implications are about potential consequences that show the practical side of things.

Recommendations VS Implications

• Implied content versus proposed writing. It means that an implication should provide an outcome from your study. The recommendation is always based on the outcome, along with your words as a personal opinion.
• Potential impact a study may have versus a specific act. When you are composing your research paper, your implications have the purpose of discussing how the findings of the study matter. They should tell how your research has an impact on the subject that you address. Now, unlike the implications section of the research paper, recommendations refer to peculiar actions or steps you must take. They should be based on your opinion precisely and talk about what must be done since your research findings confirm that.

What are the types of implications in research?

• Political implications. These are mostly common for Law and Political Sciences students basing implications on a certain study, a speech, or legislative standards. It is a case when implications and recommendations can also be used to achieve an efficient result.
• Technological implications. When dealing with a technological implication, it serves as special implications for future research manuals where you discuss the study with several examples. Do not use a methodology in this section, as it can only be mentioned briefly.
• Findings related to policies. When you have implemented a special policy or you are dealing with a medical or legal finding, you should add it to your policy. Adding an implications section is necessary when it must be highlighted in your research.
• Topical (subject) implications. These are based on your subject and serve as a way to clarify things or as a method to narrow things down by supporting the finding before it is linked to a thesis statement or your main scientific argument.

Step-by-step implications in research writing guide

Step 1: talk about what has been discovered in your research., step 2: name the differences compared to what previous studies have found., step 3: discuss the implications of your findings., step 4: add specific information to showcase your contributions., step 5: match it with your discussion and thesis statement..

Green energy can benefit from the use of vertical turbines versus horizontal turbines due to construction methods and saving costs. 

The use of AI-based apps that contain repetition and grammar-checking will help ESL students and learners with special needs. 

Most studies provide more research on the social emphasis that influences the problem of bullying in the village area. It points out that most people have different cultural behavior where the problem of bullying is approached differently.

If you encounter challenges in terms of precise replication, you can use a CR genetic code to follow the policies used in 1994. Considering the theoretical limitations, it is necessary to provide exact theories and practical steps. It will help to resolve the challenge and compare what has been available back then. It will help to trace the temporal backline. 

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Implications in research: A quick guide

Last updated

11 January 2024

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Implications are a bridge between data and action, giving insight into the effects of the research and what it means. It's a chance for researchers to explain the  why  behind the research. 

When writing a research paper , reviewers will want to see you clearly state the implications of your research. If it's missing, they’ll likely reject your article. 

Let's explore what research implications are, why they matter, and how to include them in your next article or research paper. 

• What are implications in research?

Research implications are the consequences of research findings. They go beyond results and explore your research’s ramifications. 

Researchers can connect their research to the real-world impact by identifying the implications. These can inform further research, shape policy, or spark new solutions to old problems. 

Always clearly state your implications so they’re obvious to the reader. Never leave the reader to guess why your research matters. While it might seem obvious to you, it may not be evident to someone who isn't a subject matter expert. 

For example, you may do important sociological research with political implications. If a policymaker can't understand or connect those implications logically with your research, it reduces your impact.

• What are the key features of implications?

When writing your implications, ensure they have these key features: 

Implications should be clear, concise, and easily understood by a broad audience. You'll want to avoid overly technical language or jargon. Clearly stating your implications increases their impact and accessibility. 

Implications should link to specific results within your research to ensure they’re grounded in reality. You want them to demonstrate an impact on a particular field or research topic . 

Evidence-based

Give your implications a solid foundation of evidence. They need to be rational and based on data from your research, not conjecture. An evidence-based approach to implications will lend credibility and validity to your work.

Implications should take a balanced approach, considering the research's potential positive and negative consequences. A balanced perspective acknowledges the challenges and limitations of research and their impact on stakeholders. 

Future-oriented

Don't confine your implications to their immediate outcomes. You can explore the long-term effects of the research, including the impact on future research, policy decisions, and societal changes. Looking beyond the immediate adds more relevance to your research. 

When your implications capture these key characteristics, your research becomes more meaningful, impactful, and engaging. 

• Types of implications in research

The implications of your research will largely depend on what you are researching. 

However, we can broadly categorize the implications of research into two types: 

Practical: These implications focus on real-world applications and could improve policies and practices.

Theoretical: These implications are broader and might suggest changes to existing theories of models of the world. 

You'll first consider your research's implications in these two broad categories. Will your key findings have a real-world impact? Or are they challenging existing theories? 

Once you've established whether the implications are theoretical or practical, you can break your implication into more specific types. This might include: 

Political implications: How findings influence governance, policies, or political decisions

Social implications: Effects on societal norms, behaviors, or cultural practices

Technological implications: Impact on technological advancements or innovation

Clinical implications: Effects on healthcare, treatments, or medical practices

Commercial or business-relevant implications: Possible strategic paths or actions

Implications for future research: Guidance for future research, such as new avenues of study or refining the study methods

When thinking about the implications of your research, keep them clear and relevant. Consider the limitations and context of your research. 

For example, if your study focuses on a specific population in South America, you may not be able to claim the research has the same impact on the global population. The implication may be that we need further research on other population groups. 

• Understanding recommendations vs. implications

While "recommendations" and "implications" may be interchangeable, they have distinct roles within research.

Recommendations suggest action. They are specific, actionable suggestions you could take based on the research. Recommendations may be a part of the larger implication. 

Implications explain consequences. They are broader statements about how the research impacts specific fields, industries, institutions, or societies. 

Within a paper, you should always identify your implications before making recommendations. 

While every good research paper will include implications of research, it's not always necessary to include recommendations. Some research could have an extraordinary impact without real-world recommendations. 

• How to write implications in research

Including implications of research in your article or journal submission is essential. You need to clearly state your implications to tell the reviewer or reader why your research matters. 

Because implications are so important, writing them can feel overwhelming.

Here’s our step-by-step guide to make the process more manageable:

1. Summarize your key findings

Start by summarizing your research and highlighting the key discoveries or emerging patterns. This summary will become the foundation of your implications. 

2. Identify the implications

Think critically about the potential impact of your key findings. Consider how your research could influence practices, policies, theories, or societal norms. 

Address the positive and negative implications, and acknowledge the limitations and challenges of your research. 

If you still need to figure out the implications of your research, reread your introduction. Your introduction should include why you’re researching the subject and who might be interested in the results. This can help you consider the implications of your final research. 

3. Consider the larger impact

Go beyond the immediate impact and explore the implications on stakeholders outside your research group. You might include policymakers, practitioners, or other researchers.

4. Support with evidence

Cite specific findings from your research that support the implications. Connect them to your original thesis statement. 

You may have included why this research matters in your introduction, but now you'll want to support that implication with evidence from your research. 

Your evidence may result in implications that differ from the expected impact you cited in the introduction of your paper or your thesis statement. 

5. Review for clarity

Review your implications to ensure they are clear, concise, and jargon-free. Double-check that your implications link directly to your research findings and original thesis statement. 

Following these steps communicates your research implications effectively, boosting its long-term impact. 

Where do implications go in your research paper?

Implications often appear in the discussion section of a research paper between the presentation of findings and the conclusion. 

Putting them here allows you to naturally transition from the key findings to why the research matters. You'll be able to convey the larger impact of your research and transition to a conclusion.

• Examples of research implications

Thinking about and writing research implications can be tricky. 

To spark your critical thinking skills and articulate implications for your research, here are a few hypothetical examples of research implications: 

Teaching strategies

A study investigating the effectiveness of a new teaching method might have practical implications for educators. 

The research might suggest modifying current teaching strategies or changing the curriculum’s design. 

There may be an implication for further research into effective teaching methods and their impact on student testing scores. 

Social media impact

A research paper examines the impact of social media on teen mental health. 

Researchers find that spending over an hour on social media daily has significantly worse mental health effects than 15 minutes. 

There could be theoretical implications around the relationship between technology and human behavior. There could also be practical implications in writing responsible social media usage guidelines. 

Disease prevalence

A study analyzes the prevalence of a particular disease in a specific population. 

The researchers find this disease occurs in higher numbers in mountain communities. This could have practical implications on policy for healthcare allocation and resource distribution. 

There may be an implication for further research into why the disease appears in higher numbers at higher altitudes.

These examples demonstrate the considerable range of implications that research can generate.

Clearly articulating the implications of research allows you to enhance the impact and visibility of your work as a researcher. It also enables you to contribute to societal advancements by sharing your knowledge.

The implications of your work could make positive changes in the world around us.

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Research Implications | Definition, Examples & Tips

Introduction

What are research implications, why discuss research implications, types of implications in research, how do you present research implications.

Every scientific inquiry is built on previous studies and lays the groundwork for future research. The latter is where discussion of research implications lies. Researchers are expected not only to present what their findings suggest about the phenomenon being studied but also what the findings mean in a broader context.

In this article, we'll explore the nature of research implications as a means for contextualizing the findings of qualitative research and the foundation it sets for further research.

Research implications include any kind of discussion of what a particular study means for its research field and in general terms. Researchers write implications to lay out future research studies, make research recommendations based on proposed theoretical developments, and discuss practical and technological implications that can be applied in the real world.

To put it another way, research implications are intended to answer the question "what does this research mean?". Research implications look forward and out. Once findings are presented and discussed, the researcher lays out what the findings mean in a broader context and how they could guide subsequent research.

An aspect of academic writing that's related to implications is the discussion of the study's limitations. These limitations differ from implications in that they explore already acknowledged shortcomings in a study (e.g., a small sample size, an inherent weakness in a chosen methodological approach), but these limitations can also suggest how future research could address these shortcomings. Both the implications and recommendations are often coupled with limitations in a discussion section to explain the significance of the study's contributions to scientific knowledge.

Strictly speaking, there is a fine line between limitations and implications, one that a traditional approach to the scientific method may not adequately explore. Under the scientific method, the product of any research study addresses its research questions or confirms or challenges its expected outcomes. Fulfilling just this task, however, may overlook a more important step in the research process in terms of demonstrating significance.

One of the more famous research examples can provide useful insight. Galileo's experiments with falling objects allowed him to answer questions raised by Aristotle's understanding about gravity affecting objects of different weights. Galileo had something of a hypothesis - objects should fall at the same speed regardless of weight - based on a critique of then-current scientific knowledge - Aristotle's assertion about gravity - that he wanted to test in research. By conducting different experiments using inclines and pendulums (and supposedly one involving falling objects from the Tower of Pisa), he established a new understanding about gravity and its relationship (or lack thereof) to the weight of objects.

Discussion of that experiment focused on how the findings challenged Aristotle's understanding of physics. It did not, however, pose the next logical question: Why would an object like a feather fall at a much slower rate of descent than an object like a hammer if weight was not a factor?

Galileo's experiment and other similar experiments laid the groundwork for experiments on air resistance, most famously the Apollo 15 experiment on the moon where a feather and hammer fell at the same rate in a vacuum, absent any air resistance. The limitation Galileo had at the time was the inability to create a vacuum to test any theories about gravity and air resistance. The implications of his experiments testing Aristotle's claims include the call to further research that could eventually confirm or challenge his understanding of falling objects.

In formal scientific research, particularly in academic settings where peer review is an essential component, contemporary researchers are supposed to do more than simply report their findings. They are expected to engage in critical reflection in placing their research findings in a broader context. The peer review process in research publication often assesses the quality of a research paper by its ability to detail the significance of a given research study. Without an explicit description of the implications in research, readers may not necessarily know what importance the study and its findings holds for them.

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Breaking down the kinds of implications that your research findings might have will be useful in crafting a clearer and more persuasive presentation. More important than saying that the findings are compelling is arguing in what aspects the findings should prove useful.

There are different types of implications, and the type you should emphasize depends on your target audience.

Theoretical implications

When research findings present novel scientific knowledge, it should have an influence on existing theories by affirming, contradicting, or contextualizing them. This can mean the proposal of a brand new theoretical framework or developments to a existing one.

Keep in mind that, in qualitative research , researchers will often contextualize a theory rather than confirm or refute it. This means that a theory or conceptual framework that is applied to an unfamiliar context (e.g., a theory about adolescent development in a study involving graduate students) will undergo some sort of transformation due to the new analysis.

New understandings will likely develop more complex descriptions of theories as they are interpreted and re-interpreted in new contexts. The discussion of theoretical implications here requires researchers to consider how new theoretical developments might be applied to new data in future research.

Practical implications

More applied forums are interested in how a study's findings can be used in the real world. New developments in psychology could yield discussion of applications in psychiatry, while research in physics can lead to technological innovations in engineering and architecture. While some researchers focus on developing theory, others conduct research to generate actionable insights and tangible results for stakeholders.

Education research, for example, may present pathways to a new teaching method or assessment of learining outcomes. Theories about how students passively and actively develop expertise in subject-matter knowledge could eventually prompt scholars and practitioners to change existing pedagogies and materials that account for more novel understandings of teaching and learning.

Exploring the practical dimensions of research findings may touch on political implications such as policy recommendations, marketable technologies, or novel approaches to existing methods or processes. Discussion of implications along these lines is meant to promote further research and activity in the field to support these practical developments.

Methodological implications

Qualitative research methods are always under constant development and innovation. Moreover, applying research methods in new contexts or for novel research inquiries can lead to unanticipated results that might cause a researcher to reflect on and iterate on their methods of data collection and analysis .

Critical reflections on research methods are not meant to assert that the study was conducted without the necessary rigor . However, rigorous and transparent researchers are expected to argue that further iterations of the research that address any methodological gaps can only bolster the persuasiveness of the findings or generate richer insights.

There are many possible avenues for implications in terms of innovating on methodology. Does the nature of your interview questions change when interviewing certain populations? Should you change certain practices when collecting data in an ethnography to establish rapport with research participants ? How does the use of technology influence the collection and analysis of data?

All of these questions are worth discussing, with the answers providing useful guidance to those who want to base their own study design on yours. As a result, it's important to devote some space in your paper or presentation to how you conducted your study and what you would do in future iterations of your study to bolster its research rigor.

Presenting research implications or writing research implications in a research paper is a matter of answering the following question: Why should scholars read or pay attention to your research? Especially in the social sciences, the potential impact of a study is not always a foregone conclusion. In other words, to make the findings as insightful and persuasive to your audience as they are to you, you need to persuade them beyond the presentation of the analysis and the insights generated.

Here are a few main principles to achieve this task. In broad terms, they focus on what the findings mean to you, what it should mean to others, and what those impacts might mean in context.

Establish importance

Academic research writing tends to follow a structure that narrates a study from the researcher's motivation to conduct the research to why the research's findings matter. While there's seldom a strict requirement for sections in a paper or presentation, understanding commonly used patterns in academic writing will point out where the research implications are discussed.

If you look at a typical research paper abstract in a peer-reviewed journal , for example, you might find that the last sentence or two explicitly establishes why the research is useful to motivate readers to look at the paper more deeply. In the body of the paper, this is further explained in detail towards the end of the introduction and discussion sections and in the conclusion section. These areas are where you should focus on detailing the research implications and explaining how you perceive the impact of your study.

It's essential that you use these spaces to highlight why the findings matter to you. As mentioned earlier, this impact should never be assumed to be understood. Rather, you should explain in detail how your initial motivation to conduct the research has been satisfied and how you might use what you have learned from the research in theoretical and practical terms.

Tailor to your audience

Research is partly about sharing expertise and partly about understanding your audience. Scientific knowledge is generated through consensus, and the more that the researcher ensures their implications are understood by their audience, the more it will resonate in the field.

A good strategy for tailoring your research paper to a particular journal is to read its articles for the implications that are explored in the research. Applied journals will focus on more practical implications while more theoretical publications will emphasize theoretical or conceptual frameworks for other scholars to rely on. As a result, there's no need to detail every single possible implication from your study; simply describing those implications that are most relevant to your audience is often sufficient.

Provide useful examples

One of the easier ways to persuade readers of the potential implications of your research is to provide concrete examples that are simple to understand.

Think about a study that interviews children, for example, where the methodological implications dwell on establishing an emotional connection before collecting data. This might include practical considerations such as bringing toys or conducting the interview in a setting familiar to them like their classroom so they are comfortable during data collection. Explicitly detailing this example can guide scholars in useful takeaways for their research design.

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