What is Practice-oriented Research Paper

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By Kavita Dehalwar

A practice-oriented paper is a type of academic or professional writing that focuses on the practical application of theories, research findings, or concepts to real-world problems or settings. Unlike purely theoretical or research-focused papers, practice-oriented papers aim to bridge the gap between knowledge and action by offering insights, methods, tools, or strategies that practitioners can implement.

Key Characteristics of Practice-Oriented Papers:

  1. Focus on Application:
    • Explains how concepts or findings can be applied in practical settings.
    • Often tailored to professionals or practitioners in a specific field (e.g., education, healthcare, engineering).
  2. Actionable Recommendations:
    • Includes specific steps, tools, or techniques for solving a problem or improving outcomes.
  3. Real-World Relevance:
    • Rooted in real-world challenges or case studies.
    • May draw on the author’s direct experience or data collected from practical scenarios.
  4. Clear and Accessible Language:
    • Written to be understandable by non-academic audiences, such as field professionals.
  5. Collaboration Between Theory and Practice:
    • Often links theoretical frameworks to their practical implementation.
    • Demonstrates how theoretical knowledge enhances practice.

Examples of Practice-Oriented Paper Topics:

  • In Education: “Strategies for Incorporating Technology into the Classroom for Enhanced Learning Outcomes.”
  • In Business: “Best Practices for Managing Remote Teams in a Post-Pandemic World.”
  • In Healthcare: “Implementing Evidence-Based Guidelines for Diabetes Management in Community Clinics.”

Common Formats:

  • Case studies.
  • How-to guides.
  • Policy briefs.
  • Reports on pilot programs or interventions.
  • Reflective essays based on practical experience.

Intended Audience:

The audience is usually professionals or stakeholders in the relevant field who are seeking actionable insights to improve their work, address challenges, or enhance effectiveness.

If you’re writing or using a practice-oriented paper, it’s essential to focus on actionable solutions and ensure that the content is both grounded in evidence and tailored to the practical needs of your audience.

References

Brem, A. (2024). Editorial Publishing in a Practice-Oriented Journal: Why and How You Should Do It. IEEE Engineering Management Review, 52(2), 6-8.

Castonguay, L. G., Atzil-Slonim, D., de Jong, K., & Youn, S. J. (2024). Practice-oriented research: An introduction to new developments and future directions. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 51(3), 287-290.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies. Edupedia Publications Pvt Ltd.

Jonas, M., Littig, B., & Wroblewski, A. (Eds.). (2017). Methodological reflections on practice oriented theories. Springer.

Pettersen, I. N. (2015). Towards practice-oriented design for sustainability: the compatibility with selected design fields. International Journal of Sustainable Engineering, 8(3), 206-218.