Move from a detailed to a general level of consideration that returns the topic to the context provided by the introduction or within a new context that emerges from the data.If, prior to your conclusion, you have not yet explained the significance of your findings or if you are proceeding inductively, use the end of your paper to describe your main points and explain their significance.If the argument or purpose of your paper is complex, you may need to summarize the argument for your reader.Highlighting the need for further research provides the reader with evidence that you have an in-depth awareness of the research problem and that further investigations should take place.Ĭonsider the following points to help ensure your conclusion is presented well: Indicate opportunities for future research if you haven't already done so in the discussion section of your paper.Provide a synthesis of arguments presented in the paper to show how these converge to address the research problem and the overall objectives of your study. Do not simply reiterate your findings or the discussion of your results.Re-state the purpose of your study, then describe how your findings differ or support those of other studies and why. Present your conclusions in clear, simple language.When writing the conclusion to your paper, follow these general rules:

This reduces the impact of the argument(s) you have developed in your essay. Make sure, however, that your conclusion is not simply a repetitive summary of the findings. Do this by stating clearly the context, background, and necessity of pursuing the research problem you investigated in relation to an issue, controversy, or a gap found in the literature. It reminds the reader of the strengths of your main argument(s) and reiterates the most important evidence supporting those argument(s). The function of your paper's conclusion is to restate the main argument. 'Writing the Conclusion Chapter: The Good, the Bad and the Missing.' Liverpool: Development Studies Association (2009): 1-8. San Francisco Edit, 2003-2008 Conclusions. Twelve Steps to Writing an Effective Conclusion. University of North Carolina Kretchmer, Paul. “The Structure of PhD Conclusion Chapters.” Journal of English for Academic Purposes 4 (July 2005): 207–224 Conclusions. This does not refer to introducing new information, but to offer new insight and creative approaches for framing or contextualizing the research problem based on the results of your study.īunton, David.

Introducing possible new or expanded ways of thinking about the research problem.

This is particularly important if your study approached examining the research problem from an unusual or innovative perspective. The conclusion offers you the opportunity to elaborate on the impact and significance of your findings.

Demonstrating the importance of your ideas.

The conclusion can be where you describe how a previously identified gap in the literature has been filled by your research. Identifying how a gap in the literature has been addressed.The conclusion is an opportunity to succinctly re-emphasize the 'So What?' question by placing the study within the context of how your research advances past research about the topic. Summarizing your thoughts and conveying the larger significance of your study.Do this, for example, by highlighting key findings in your analysis that advance new understanding about the research problem, that are unusual or unexpected, or that have important implications applied to practice. Just as the introduction gives a first impression to your reader, the conclusion offers a chance to leave a lasting impression. Presenting the last word on the issues you raised in your paper.USC Libraries Tutorials and Other GuidesĪ well-written conclusion provides you with important opportunities to demonstrate to the reader your understanding of the research problem.Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea.

Concluding statement