How to write recommendations for the study in a thesis report?
Typically noted as ‘Conclusion and Recommendations for the study’ in thesis reports, the section dedicated to recommendations for the study is brief and direct. In many thesis reports it is also presented as a standalone section. Recommendations for the study do not explain anything as other sections of the research would do. Instead, the focus here is on highlighting what more can be done in that field of study. It also gives direction to fellow researchers to dive into the discussion in the future.
The main themes of this section are:
- Improvement
- Change
- Development
The recommendations for the study section present possible areas of improvement for future studies.
Constituents of the recommendations for the study section
Since this section of the thesis report is most often set along with the conclusion of the study, it is better presented in a brief but direct approach. It is introduced by one direct sentence that separates it from the conclusion of the study. The preceding statements should immediately note the recommendations and why these suggestions are important. It should then explain how such suggestions can be achieved in a future research. While writing the recommendations for the study section, it is important that the suggestions are:
- Specific,
- Measurable,
- Attainable,
- Realistic, and
- Timely.
This section can also be presented in bullet points and focus to cover:
| Academia | Company or industry | Government | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addressed to | Fellow researchers from the field of the study. | Companies, businesses or the industry that was sampled or studied. | Regulatory authorities and policymakers. |
| Purpose | To show them how the study can be useful in the findings and form a basis of their research. | To suggest ways to address problems. | To suggest a framework to improve. |
| Contents | Focus on concepts studied. Avoid giving practical recommendations. | Practical and actionable strategies to improve the situation. | A roadmap to a strategic plan or a long-term action plan. |
While there is no required specific number of recommendations but 4 recommendations for every 20000 words in a thesis report is a general thumb. Limit the number of words in this section up to 5% of the total word count of your thesis report. This is to set a balance as to what else can be done and the current investigation.
What not to do?
Remember that the recommendations for the study section should not be confused with the conclusion or the summary of the study. It should only focus on the suggestions for future possibilities. Do not present new findings or statistical or experimental data. Do not include theoretical concepts. Start with an introductory statement.
This section enlists the recommendations of the study. The purpose is to offer ideas on how the findings of this study can be implemented in academia to further this field of study. It also offers suggestions on how the challenges of the industry or individuals can be addressed for better outcomes.
Thereafter, split the section into three sub-sections as explained above. After writing the recommendations for each sub-section, close the thesis with ‘Scope for further research‘.
It is suggested that direct interviews with individuals who have been diagnosed with PNES be pursued in the future to allow the researchers to closely look into the situation more closely. After accomplishing the interview, a few context suggestions on how to improve the lives of the said individuals ought to be given particular attention.
The above recommendation focuses on improving the idea behind exploring the issue of how Psychological Non-Epileptic Seizures affect the functionality of a person suffering from the condition. This recommendation is for a 1000-word research paper on PNES or Psychological Non-Epileptic Seizures. There is only one specific recommendation which is explained in a few statements- which remains true to the idea behind keeping the recommendations section brief and focused.
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