What primary purpose does Mr. Rivera intend for his students' research on cafeteria waste?

Mr. Rivera's intention for having his students research cafeteria waste is fundamentally aimed at recommending changes that could reduce food waste. This approach aligns with a proactive strategy that seeks to engage students in practical problems and encourages them to think critically about the impact of their findings. By focusing on recommending changes, the research empowers students not only to analyze the current state of cafeteria waste but also to explore solutions that can lead to more sustainable practices within the school environment. This not only fosters a sense of responsibility among students regarding waste management but also encourages them to apply their learning in a meaningful way that could benefit the wider school community.

The other options do not align as closely with the primary goal. For instance, identifying areas for future research in food preferences or assessing the effectiveness of current cafeteria programs could be secondary outcomes of the research process but do not represent the principal aim of reducing waste. Similarly, while encouraging collaboration is valuable, it does not capture the targeted action intended to tackle the issue of food waste specifically.