Here’s how to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

Conclusion is the final obligatory paragraph of any project. It doesn’t include any new information, but it is very important for the logical completeness of the paper. Conclusions for different assignment types differ. Here’s how to write a conclusion for a research paper.

Questions a Good Conclusion Covers

A good research paper conclusion

• repeats your topic;
• reminds why your research is important;
• echoes your thesis statement and hypothesis;
• briefly summarizes key findings;
• explains how these findings can be used;
• offers options for further research.

Here are guiding questions which will help you draft an effective research paper conclusion without the unnecessary elbow grease:

1. What did your thesis statement say?
   E.g. A healthy diet is an important lifestyle choice that is essential for an individual’s career success. By saying ‘no’ to junk food, a person boosts a will power and makes an important investment in personal development.
2. What were your main research questions?
   E.g. The current study has revealed a direct link between healthy lifestyles of top managers and their professional achievements.
3. What did you find out?
   E.g. Most successful businessmen confess that a conscious choice of healthy eating gives them extra energy and inspiration.
4. Who and how can use your findings?
   E.g. These findings can be helpful for anyone who is interested in career, professional development and personal wellbeing.
5. Is there room for further research?
   Further research of the effects of healthy eating on academic performance of college students can have valuable implications for educational sphere, whereas the principles of healthy diets can be made a part of curriculum.

Main Elements of a Research Paper Conclusion

A good conclusion goes beyond mere summary of what has been said in the previous chapters. Without adding any new information, it should help readers see the main findings from a fresh perspective. It’s easier to write a good conclusion if you use this formula:

Another good example of a research paper conclusion:

The legendary Beatles, the British pop music sensation, have had an immense influence on popular culture and rock music of the second half of the twentieth century. The talents of songwriters, personal charisma of the band and original love lyrics were recognized by most of their fans as the main reasons behind the phenomenon of Beatle-mania. Despite the attempts of their followers to copy their style, the success of the Beatles remained inimitable. Therefore, the analysis of the main reasons behind the band popularity can be of cultural and historical but not practical value. Further research of their contemporary followers could shed more light on the band’s influence on modern culture.

Useful Phrases for Your Research Paper Conclusion

To combine the different parts of your research paper conclusion into a whole and to make them flow, you may need some of the following words and phrases:

*Kindly note that the well-known ‘in conclusion’ and ‘to sum it all up’ are not on this list of recommended vocabulary.
E.g. Cartoons characters might have significant effects on children’s psychological development, which is later displayed in their behavioral patterns. At a stage when children’s minds are developing and quickly absorbing the information they receive, parents need to be careful and selective about what they expose their kids to. From the research that has been carried out, it can be concluded that children who spend a substantial amount of time watching TV often fantasize about the lives the characters are living. Children who view shows in which violence seems realistic and remains unpunished are more likely to imitate it in their lives. The results should be applicable to education of would-be and today’s parents. Further research on possible positive effects of positive characters is desirable for receiving deeper insight into the mechanisms through which cartoons characters are influencing children’s development and psychology.

How NOT to Write a Research Paper Conclusion

You can easily avoid major time wastes, if you stay away from the following common errors:

1. Twist ending. Avoid surprising readers in the introduction part. Avoid including any new information and/or changing your mind as to the main question. Your conclusion should be predictable and logical.
2. Obvious remarks. ‘In conclusion’, ‘to sum it up’ or ‘in summary’ are just meaningless phrases. Readers can see how much of the text is left and these too obvious phrases can irritate them.
3. Mere summary. A brief summary is just one step in how to write a research paper conclusion, but it’s not all you need.
4. Apologizing. Trying not to make your conclusion too categorical, you may want to add something like ‘but I’m not an expert’ or ‘In my humble opinion’. Don’t hesitate that your research deserves attention and be sure to show it in the conclusion. There’s a special section for discussing some possible limitations of your study, but it goes before conclusion.

That was a comprehensive guide on how to write a conclusion for a research paper. Do you have any questions left? Feel free to comment below.