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Implications in Research – Types, Examples and Writing Guide

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Implications in research refer to the potential effects, significance, or practical applications of a study’s findings. They help bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world applications by highlighting how the results can influence policies, practices, or future research. Writing about implications effectively is critical for demonstrating the relevance and impact of your research.

This article provides a comprehensive understanding of the types of implications, practical examples, and a step-by-step guide to writing them in your research paper or thesis.

Implications in Research

Implications are the outcomes or effects that result from the findings of a research study. They answer the question: “Why do these results matter?” Implications can be theoretical, practical, or policy-related, providing insights into how the research contributes to its field or influences real-world issues.

For example, a study on renewable energy adoption might have implications for environmental policy, technological advancements, and public awareness campaigns.

Importance of Implications in Research

• Adds Relevance: Highlights the significance of the findings in broader contexts.
• Guides Future Research: Suggests areas where further exploration is needed.
• Informs Policy and Practice: Provides actionable insights for decision-makers.
• Bridges Theory and Practice: Connects academic research with real-world applications.

Types of Implications in Research

1. theoretical implications.

These implications address how the research contributes to existing theories, models, or frameworks.

• Purpose: To expand, refine, or challenge theoretical concepts.
• Example: A study on social media usage reveals new dimensions of online engagement, prompting revisions to existing communication theories.

2. Practical Implications

Practical implications focus on how findings can be applied in real-world scenarios.

• Purpose: To solve specific problems or improve practices.
• Example: A study on employee productivity recommends flexible work hours to enhance efficiency.

3. Policy Implications

Policy implications highlight how the findings can inform or influence public policies and regulations.

• Purpose: To guide policymakers in making informed decisions.
• Example: Research on air pollution effects advocates for stricter emissions regulations.

4. Methodological Implications

These implications pertain to how the study’s methods or approaches can inform future research.

• Purpose: To refine or innovate research methodologies.
• Example: A study introducing a new data collection technique sets a precedent for future studies.

5. Educational Implications

Educational implications emphasize how findings can impact teaching, learning, or educational policies.

• Purpose: To enhance educational practices and outcomes.
• Example: A study on digital learning tools suggests integrating them into primary school curricula for better engagement.

Examples of Implications in Research

1. healthcare research.

• Study Topic: The effectiveness of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Practical: Encourages healthcare providers to adopt telemedicine for routine check-ups.
• Policy: Highlights the need for government investment in telemedicine infrastructure.

2. Environmental Science

• Study Topic: The impact of urban green spaces on mental health.
• Practical: Recommends urban planners to incorporate more green spaces in city designs.
• Theoretical: Provides evidence supporting theories on nature’s psychological benefits.

3. Business Research

• Study Topic: The impact of remote work on employee satisfaction.
• Practical: Suggests companies adopt hybrid work models.
• Policy: Advocates for labor laws supporting remote work flexibility.

4. Educational Research

• Study Topic: The role of gamification in improving student engagement.
• Practical: Advises schools to integrate gamified activities into the curriculum.
• Educational: Reinforces theories on motivation and learning through gamification.

How to Write Implications in Research – A Step-by-Step Guide

1. understand your audience.

• Tailor your implications to the needs and interests of your readers, whether they are academics, policymakers, or practitioners.

2. Link to Findings

• Ensure that the implications directly stem from the study’s results. Avoid introducing unrelated ideas.

3. Identify the Type of Implication

• Determine whether the implications are theoretical, practical, policy-oriented, methodological, or educational.

4. Be Clear and Concise

• Use simple language to articulate the implications clearly. Avoid overly technical jargon unless necessary for your audience.

5. Use Subheadings or Sections

• If your research has multiple types of implications, organize them under distinct subheadings for clarity.

6. Provide Examples or Evidence

• Support your implications with specific examples or evidence from your findings.

7. Suggest Future Research

• Highlight unanswered questions or new areas for exploration related to your findings.

Sample Implications Section

Study Topic: The impact of remote learning on student performance during the pandemic.

Implications:

• Schools should invest in digital tools and training for teachers to enhance the remote learning experience.
• Parents and caregivers need guidance on creating conducive learning environments at home.
• Governments should prioritize internet access for underserved communities to ensure equitable education.
• Policymakers must develop frameworks for integrating hybrid learning models into the education system.
• The findings challenge existing theories that traditional classroom settings are superior for engagement.
• Further studies should examine long-term impacts of remote learning on cognitive development.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Implications

• Overgeneralization: Avoid making broad claims that go beyond the scope of your findings.
• Unsubstantiated Claims: Ensure implications are directly supported by your research data.
• Repetition: Do not repeat your findings; focus on their broader significance.
• Neglecting Audience Needs: Tailor your implications to be relevant and actionable for your target audience.
• Lack of Specificity: Provide clear, actionable recommendations rather than vague statements.

Checklist for Writing Effective Implications

• Do the implications directly relate to the research findings?
• Are the implications relevant to the target audience?
• Have you clearly stated the type of implications (theoretical, practical, etc.)?
• Are the implications actionable and supported by evidence?
• Have you suggested directions for future research?

Implications are a crucial component of research, demonstrating the significance and impact of your findings. By identifying and clearly articulating theoretical, practical, policy, and methodological implications, researchers can showcase the broader relevance of their work. Following this guide will help you write a compelling implications section that resonates with your audience and adds value to your study.

• Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
• Punch, K. F. (2016). Developing Effective Research Proposals . Sage Publications.
• Babbie, E. R. (2020). The Practice of Social Research . Cengage Learning.
• Kumar, R. (2019). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners . Sage Publications.
• Maxwell, J. A. (2013). Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach . Sage Publications.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Suggestions for Future Research

Your dissertation needs to include suggestions for future research. Depending on requirements of your university, suggestions for future research can be either integrated into Research Limitations section or it can be a separate section.

You will need to propose 4-5 suggestions for future studies and these can include the following:

1. Building upon findings of your research . These may relate to findings of your study that you did not anticipate. Moreover, you may suggest future research to address unanswered aspects of your research problem.

2. Addressing limitations of your research . Your research will not be free from limitations and these may relate to formulation of research aim and objectives, application of data collection method, sample size, scope of discussions and analysis etc. You can propose future research suggestions that address the limitations of your study.

3. Constructing the same research in a new context, location and/or culture . It is most likely that you have addressed your research problem within the settings of specific context, location and/or culture. Accordingly, you can propose future studies that can address the same research problem in a different settings, context, location and/or culture.

4. Re-assessing and expanding theory, framework or model you have addressed in your research . Future studies can address the effects of specific event, emergence of a new theory or evidence and/or other recent phenomenon on your research problem.

My e-book,  The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Dissertation in Business Studies: a step by step assistance  offers practical assistance to complete a dissertation with minimum or no stress. The e-book covers all stages of writing a dissertation starting from the selection to the research area to submitting the completed version of the work within the deadline. John Dudovskiy