The conclusion of a research paper plays a crucial role in determining the overall impact and effectiveness of your work.
Despite its significance, it is often given less attention compared to the introduction and body sections of the paper.
The conclusion serves as a brief recapitulation of the main discoveries, their importance, implications, and provides a sense of completion to the study.
It is particularly valuable to explore how these discoveries can be applied in practical situations or inform policies, practices, or decision-making processes, benefiting practitioners and policymakers alike.
Moreover, the conclusion provides researchers with clear insights and valuable data for their own research, allowing them to build upon these findings and contribute to the progress of knowledge in the field.
Writing a unique research paper conclusion involves highlighting the importance of your findings within the wider context of your field.
This section should reaffirm how your results add to the existing knowledge base and whether they support or question established theories or hypotheses.
By pinpointing unresolved issues or areas that warrant deeper exploration, you showcase your understanding of the broader research environment.
It’s crucial to customize the research paper conclusion to suit the specific preferences and concerns of your target audience, be it researchers, practitioners, policymakers, or a blend of these stakeholders.
This tailored approach ensures that your conclusion resonates effectively and delivers meaningful insights to your intended readership.
Conclusion
A conclusion in a research paper is the final section that encapsulates and summarizes your study, highlighting the main findings and insights.
It is essential to avoid introducing new information or data that wasn’t covered in the main body of the paper.
When writing the conclusion, focus on summarizing and interpreting the content discussed earlier.
Purpose of the Research Paper Conclusion
The purpose of the research paper conclusion includes:
- Alerting readers to the potential consequences of ignoring the problem.
- Suggesting specific actions to address the issue.
- Reiterating key points to reinforce the main arguments of your research.
- Delivering a memorable takeaway message for readers to remember your study.
The conclusion of a research paper is the section where you consolidate your ideas and leave the reader with a lasting final impression.
It aims to achieve several key objectives:
- Restate the problem statement addressed in the paper.
- Summarize your overall arguments or findings.
- Highlight the key takeaways from your paper.
The content of the conclusion may vary based on whether your paper presents original empirical research results or constructs an argument through engagement with various sources.
Types of Research Paper Conclusions
1. Editorial Conclusion
An editorial conclusion presents your own concluding ideas or commentary. This type of conclusion connects your thoughts to the research, allowing you to express how you feel about the outcomes, results, or topic in general.
It adds a personal touch and can provide a reflective insight into the significance of your research findings.
2. Summarizing Conclusion
A summarizing conclusion provides a clear summary of the main points and thesis. This is the most common form and is ideal for giving a concise recap of your topic. It ensures that the reader leaves with a solid understanding of the essential findings and arguments presented in your paper.
3. Externalizing Conclusion
An externalizing conclusion introduces points or ideas that may not have been directly stated or relevant to the main presentation of your research.
This type of conclusion can be effective for presenting new ideas that build off your initial research topic. It offers a broader perspective, suggesting further implications or areas for additional study.
Examples of Types of Research Paper Conclusions
Here are examples of different types of research paper conclusions:
1. Example: Summarizing Conclusion
Research Topic: Impact of social media on adolescents’ mental health
Conclusion Example: 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.
2. Example: Editorial Conclusion
Research Topic: Environmental impact of plastic waste
Conclusion Example: 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.
3. Example: Externalizing Conclusion
Research Topic: Exploring applications of AI in healthcare
Conclusion Example: 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.
The Significance of a Strong Research Paper Conclusion
Provides Implications and Suggestions
The conclusion of a research paper is a valuable moment to discuss the broader impacts of your research and propose potential areas for further investigation. It also allows you to present practical suggestions based on your findings, offering a roadmap for future research or real-world application.
Delivers a Sense of Completion
A well-crafted conclusion provides a feeling of completion to your paper. It ensures that the reader feels they have reached the end of a coherent and insightful research project, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your work.
Creates a Lasting Impact
Writing an impactful conclusion ensures that you leave a memorable impression on your readers. It’s your final chance to leave them with a new perspective, a call to action, or a noteworthy quote. An effective conclusion can solidify the importance of your research and make sure your main points stay with the reader long after they’ve finished reading.
How to Write a Conclusion for Your Research Paper
Restate the Research Statement
Begin your conclusion by briefly restating your research statement. This helps remind the reader of the primary objective you aim to achieve throughout your paper. Keep this restatement concise and to the point.
Example:
Water pollution has increased since 2010, leading to a decrease in aquatic wildlife and an increase in unsafe drinking water. Avoid using phrases like “in conclusion” as they can be too obvious in written essays, though they may be suitable for oral presentations. Ensure that the purpose of your conclusion is clear from its placement within the essay.
Summarize Key Points
Next, provide a summary of the main arguments and key points discussed in your paper. This should be a concise overview, avoiding the introduction of any new information. The goal is to reinforce the significant findings and insights from your research.
You can summarize the key findings of your research paper by reviewing it again and selecting the most relevant facts and arguments. Focus on summarizing without adding new information beyond what’s already presented. This recap aims to remind the reader of the research topic’s importance.
For example:
“The rise in sugar farming has led to higher pollutant levels in freshwater, causing significant declines in marine life, fish mortality, increased respiratory illnesses in local populations, and contributed to clean drinking water shortages.”
Address Research Questions
If your paper is structured around specific research questions or hypotheses, briefly address whether you’ve answered them or met your research goals. Discuss the importance of your findings in relation to these questions.
Highlight the Significance
Emphasize the importance and relevance of your research in the broader context. Explain why your findings matter and how they contribute to the existing body of knowledge in your field.
Explore Implications
Discuss the practical or theoretical implications of your research. Consider how your findings might impact future research, policy-making, or real-world applications. Address the “so what?” question to demonstrate the significance of your work.
Suggest Future Research
Offer suggestions for future research based on your findings. Identify any questions or areas that remain unanswered or require further investigation. This indicates that your work paves the way for continued exploration.
Conclude with a Closing Thought
End your conclusion with a thought-provoking or memorable statement. This final sentence should leave a lasting impression on your readers and effectively wrap up your paper. Avoid introducing any new information or arguments in this section.
Here’s an example of a concluding sentence that addresses unanswered questions and encourages further thought or action:
“In light of these findings, it is imperative that we continue to explore sustainable alternatives to commercial farming practices. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts from policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to safeguard our environment and ensure food security for future generations.”
Proofread and Revise
Finally, carefully proofread your conclusion for any grammatical or spelling errors and ensure clarity. Make sure that your ideas flow smoothly and that your conclusion is coherent and well-structured.
Guidelines for Writing a Research Paper Conclusion
Here are some general rules and helpful tips for writing the conclusion of a research paper:
- Clarity and Conciseness: Keep your thesis statement, main points, and summarizing facts clear and concise in the conclusion. Avoid introducing new information or arguments that were not previously discussed in the paper.
- Summarizing Format: If you’re unsure where to start, stick to a basic summarizing format for your conclusion. This format typically includes restating the thesis, summarizing the main points, and stating the significance of the findings.
- Synthesize Information: Synthesize the information presented in your paper by providing answers to questions posed in the introduction, summarizing key results, offering suggestions for future research, or proposing resolutions to arguments presented in the paper.
- Relevance: Include only the most relevant points and arguments from your paper in the conclusion. Focus on highlighting the key takeaways that support your thesis and main points.
- Experimentation: While the summarizing format is a good starting point, feel free to experiment with other conclusion styles that suit your paper’s content and objectives. However, ensure that each element you include relates directly to the purpose and content of your paper.
Example of a conclusion for a research paper
A well-crafted conclusion should summarize your research paper effectively by addressing these five key elements:
- Restate the research topic.
- Repeat the thesis statement.
- Summarize the main points.
- State the significance of the findings.
- Conclude with final thoughts.
- The example below illustrates how to create an effective conclusion for a research paper:
- Access to clean water is vital for maintaining ecological balance and protecting public health. The increase in water pollution since 2010 has led to a decline in aquatic life and an increase in unsafe drinking water. The expansion of sugar farming has resulted in more pollutants entering freshwater supplies, causing significant harm to marine life, fish populations, and public health with increased respiratory illnesses and water shortages. Ecologists, marine biologists, and researchers are actively monitoring water quality and developing strategies to reduce pollution from agricultural sources. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hopes that these efforts will lead to lower pollutant levels in freshwater systems in the future. Failing to address the negative impacts of agricultural practices on water quality will threaten freshwater ecosystems and access to clean drinking water. Therefore, continuous research and innovative solutions are necessary to maintain clean water standards while supporting sustainable agriculture.
