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Conclusions wrap up what you have been discussing in your paper. After moving from general to specific information in the introduction and body paragraphs, your conclusion should begin pulling back into more general information that restates the main points of your argument. Conclusions may also call for action or overview future possible research. The following outline may help you conclude your paper:
In a general way,
- Restate your topic and why it is important,
- Restate your thesis/claim,
- Address opposing viewpoints and explain why readers should align with your position,
- Call for action or overview future research possibilities.
Remember that once you accomplish these tasks, unless otherwise directed by your instructor, you are finished. Done. Complete. Don't try to bring in new points or end with a whiz bang(!) conclusion or try to solve world hunger in the final sentence of your conclusion. Simplicity is best for a clear, convincing message.
The preacher's maxim is one of the most effective formulas to follow for argument papers:
Tell what you're going to tell them (introduction).
Tell them (body).
Tell them what you told them (conclusion).
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Home » Research Paper Conclusion – Writing Guide and Examples
Research Paper Conclusion – Writing Guide and Examples
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Research Paper Conclusion
The conclusion of a research paper is the final section that ties together the findings, restates the main arguments, and provides closure for readers. A well-crafted conclusion not only summarizes the paper’s insights but also highlights its broader implications and suggests future research directions. This guide explores the steps involved in writing an effective conclusion, offering tips and examples to help you end your research paper on a strong note.
Purpose of a Research Paper Conclusion
The conclusion serves several important purposes:
- Summarize Key Findings : Recap the main findings of the research in a concise way.
- Reinforce the Thesis : Remind readers of the main argument or research question.
- Highlight Implications : Discuss the broader significance of the findings.
- Suggest Future Research : Identify areas for further study or unresolved questions.
Structure of a Research Paper Conclusion
- Restate the Thesis : Briefly restate the research question or thesis statement, using different wording.
- Summarize Main Points : Highlight the key findings or arguments without going into detailed explanations.
- Discuss Implications : Explain what the findings mean in a larger context, considering their impact on the field or related areas.
- Recommend Future Research : Suggest potential directions for future studies based on any remaining questions or limitations in your work.
Steps to Write a Strong Research Paper Conclusion
Step 1: restate the thesis.
Begin the conclusion by rephrasing the research question or thesis statement. This reminds readers of the core argument and connects it to the findings.
Example : Original Thesis: “This study examined the effects of social media on adolescent mental health, focusing on its impact on self-esteem and anxiety levels.” Restated Thesis: “This research has highlighted the significant role that social media plays in shaping adolescent self-esteem and contributing to anxiety.”
Step 2: Summarize Key Findings
Next, summarize the most important findings or arguments from the paper. Keep this summary brief, as the main body has already provided details.
Example : “Analysis of the data revealed a clear correlation between high social media usage and low self-esteem among adolescents. Additionally, increased time spent online was associated with higher levels of anxiety, particularly among female participants.”
Step 3: Discuss the Broader Implications
In this section, explore the significance of the findings. Discuss how they contribute to the existing knowledge or impact the field. If applicable, address any potential practical or policy implications.
Example : “These findings underscore the need for educators, parents, and policymakers to develop strategies for supporting mental health among young people in a digital age. They suggest that moderating social media use may be beneficial for adolescent well-being.”
Step 4: Suggest Future Research Directions
Identify any gaps in the research or limitations that could be addressed in future studies. This section demonstrates the study’s contribution to ongoing research.
Example : “Future research should explore the long-term effects of social media use on mental health and examine potential moderating factors, such as family support and self-regulation strategies. A larger, more diverse sample would also enhance the generalizability of these findings.”
Examples of Research Paper Conclusions
Example 1: environmental science research paper conclusion.
Thesis Restatement : “This study has demonstrated the significant impact of deforestation on biodiversity loss in the Amazon rainforest.”
Summary of Findings : “The data shows that deforestation contributes directly to habitat loss, reducing species diversity and increasing the risk of extinction.”
Broader Implications : “These results emphasize the urgent need for stronger environmental protection policies to prevent further degradation of one of the world’s most vital ecosystems.”
Future Research Suggestions : “Future research should investigate the effects of deforestation on ecosystem services, such as water purification and carbon storage, which play a critical role in climate regulation.”
Example 2: Business Research Paper Conclusion
Thesis Restatement : “This research has explored how organizational culture influences employee satisfaction and retention.”
Summary of Findings : “The study found that companies with a supportive and inclusive culture reported higher employee satisfaction and lower turnover rates.”
Broader Implications : “These findings suggest that fostering a positive work environment not only benefits employees but also contributes to organizational success.”
Future Research Suggestions : “Future studies could examine how different types of leadership styles impact organizational culture and employee satisfaction across various industries.”
Example 3: Psychology Research Paper Conclusion
Thesis Restatement : “This research investigated the relationship between mindfulness practices and stress reduction among college students.”
Summary of Findings : “Participants who practiced mindfulness exercises reported lower levels of stress and improved mental clarity compared to the control group.”
Broader Implications : “These results highlight the potential of mindfulness programs as a simple, effective tool for stress management, especially in academic settings.”
Future Research Suggestions : “Further studies should explore how the duration and frequency of mindfulness practices influence their effectiveness and examine their long-term impact on mental health.”
Tips for Writing an Effective Conclusion
- Be Concise : Avoid re-explaining details from the body of the paper. Focus on the main takeaways and keep the conclusion brief.
- Stay Objective : Avoid introducing new arguments or data. Stick to summarizing and interpreting existing information.
- Use Strong Language : Convey confidence in your findings and their significance, while remaining balanced and objective.
- Avoid Redundancy : Do not repeat phrases or sentences verbatim from earlier sections. Rephrase to keep the conclusion fresh and engaging.
- End on a Positive Note : Aim to leave readers with a clear sense of the study’s contribution to the field and any actions that may result from the findings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Introducing New Information : The conclusion is not the place to introduce new ideas or findings.
- Repeating the Introduction : Avoid copying the introduction’s content. Instead, synthesize the paper’s main points and implications.
- Being Overly General : Focus on specific conclusions rather than vague statements. Make sure your conclusions are directly related to your research.
- Ignoring Limitations : Address any limitations honestly, as they provide context for interpreting the results and contribute to transparency.
Writing a strong research paper conclusion involves restating the thesis, summarizing key findings, discussing implications, and suggesting future research directions. A well-written conclusion leaves a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of the research and opening doors for further inquiry. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your conclusion effectively wraps up your study and communicates its significance.
- Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2016). The Craft of Research . University of Chicago Press.
- Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
- Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2017). They Say, I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing . W.W. Norton & Company.
- Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. B. (2012). Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills . University of Michigan Press.
- Turabian, K. L. (2013). A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations . University of Chicago Press.
About the author
Muhammad Hassan
Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer
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