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

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.

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:

1. Start with a clear understanding of your research findings: Before writing implications, ensure you clearly understand your research results and their significance.
2. Identify the key stakeholders: Consider who the key stakeholders are for your research, including policymakers, practitioners, researchers, or the general public.
3. Focus on the most important findings: Highlight the most significant and relevant findings that have implications for your stakeholders.
4. Use clear and concise language: Avoid technical jargon or complex terminology that may be difficult for non-experts to understand.
5. Be specific and concrete: Avoid vague or general statements; instead, provide specific and concrete examples of how your research findings can be applied.
6. 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:

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