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.
Types of conclusions for research papers
In research papers, the conclusion provides closure to the reader. The type of research paper conclusion you choose depends on the nature of your study, your goals, and your target audience. I provide you with three common types of conclusions:
1.Summarizing Conclusion
A summarizing conclusion is the most common type of conclusion in research papers. It involves summarizing the main points, reiterating the research question, and restating the significance of the findings. This common type of research paper conclusion is used across different disciplines.
2.Editorial Conclusion
An editorial conclusion is less common but can be used in research papers that are focused on proposing or advocating for a particular viewpoint or policy. It involves presenting a strong editorial or opinion based on the research findings and offering recommendations or calls to action.
3.Externalizing Conclusion
An externalizing conclusion is a type of conclusion that extends the research beyond the scope of the paper by suggesting potential future research directions or discussing the broader implications of the findings. This type of conclusion is often used in more theoretical or exploratory research papers.
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
The content of the conclusion varies depending on whether your paper presents the results of original empirical research or constructs an argument through engagement with sources.
The steps below show you how to construct an effective conclusion for either type of research paper.
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
| Type of Conclusion | Research Topic | Research Paper Conclusion Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Summarizing Conclusion | Impact of social media on adolescents’ mental health | In conclusion, our study has shown that increased usage of social media is significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression among adolescents. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the complex relationship between social media and mental health to develop effective interventions and support systems for this vulnerable population. |
| Editorial Conclusion | Environmental impact of plastic waste | In light of our research findings, it is clear that we are facing a plastic pollution crisis. To mitigate this issue, we strongly recommend a comprehensive ban on single-use plastics, increased recycling initiatives, and public awareness campaigns to change consumer behavior. The responsibility falls on governments, businesses, and individuals to take immediate actions to protect our planet and future generations. |
| Externalizing Conclusion | Exploring applications of AI in healthcare | While our study has provided insights into the current applications of AI in healthcare, the field is rapidly evolving. Future research should delve deeper into the ethical, legal, and social implications of AI in healthcare, as well as the long-term outcomes of AI-driven diagnostics and treatments. Furthermore, interdisciplinary collaboration between computer scientists, medical professionals, and policymakers is essential to harness the full potential of AI while addressing its challenges. |
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.
Importance of a good research paper conclusion
The conclusion in a research paper serves several important purposes:
- Offers Implications and Recommendations: Your research paper conclusion is an excellent place to discuss the broader implications of your research and suggest potential areas for further study. It’s also an opportunity to offer practical recommendations based on your findings.
- Provides Closure: A good research paper conclusion provides a sense of closure to your paper. It should leave the reader with a feeling that they have reached the end of a well-structured and thought-provoking research project.
- Leaves a Lasting Impression: Writing a well-crafted research paper conclusion leaves a lasting impression on your readers. It’s your final opportunity to leave them with a new idea, a call to action, or a memorable quote.
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.
REFERENCES
- I. Lee, How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper, Retrieved from https://www.aresearchguide.com/write-conclusion-research-paper.html
- 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.
Stories are the threads that bind us; through them, we understand each other, grow, and heal.
JOHN NOORD
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