How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Conclusion

The conclusion is an important part of your thesis or dissertation and is the final opportunity to summarize your findings, emphasize their significance, and leave a lasting impression on your reader. Here are some tips on how to write a strong and effective conclusion:

1. Summarize your findings: Provide a brief overview of your main findings and emphasize the significance of your research. This is also a good place to mention any limitations or areas for future research.
2. Reiterate the research question: Remind the reader of your research question and how your findings relate to it. This will help to bring closure to your argument and emphasize the importance of your research.
3. Highlight the implications of your work: Discuss the practical applications of your research, and how it contributes to the broader field of study.
4. Reflect on the research process: Consider the challenges you faced during the research process and how you overcame them. This can help to provide insight into your methods and highlight the strengths and weaknesses of your research.
5. End with a memorable statement: Leave the reader with a memorable statement that summarizes the main points of your conclusion and reiterates the significance of your research.

It’s important to remember that the conclusion should be concise and well-organized. Use clear, simple language and avoid introducing new information. Also, be sure to proofread your conclusion carefully to ensure that there are no errors or typos.

Discussion vs. conclusion

The terms “discussion” and “conclusion” are two important sections in any academic or research paper. While both are crucial components of a research paper, they serve distinct purposes and should be approached differently.

A discussion section is where the author interprets and explains the results of the research. It is an opportunity for the author to elaborate on the significance of the findings and place them in the larger context of the field. The author should also discuss any limitations of the study, as well as any implications for future research. In this section, the author may also compare the results of the study with other similar studies and draw connections between the results and the research question.

A conclusion, on the other hand, is a brief summary of the main points of the research paper. It should not introduce new information or arguments but instead summarize the key findings and conclusions drawn in the discussion section. The conclusion should also provide a brief overview of the implications of the study, including any practical applications and recommendations for future research.

How long should your conclusion be?

The length of a conclusion can vary depending on the type of writing and the purpose of the conclusion. However, in general, a conclusion should be a concise and well-written summary of the main points discussed in the body of the text.

When writing a conclusion, it is important to be clear, concise, and provide a clear summary of the key findings or arguments presented in the body of the text. Additionally, a conclusion may also include suggestions for further research or implications of the findings.

Ultimately, the length of the conclusion should be appropriate for the length and complexity of the text and should effectively summarize the main points while still engaging the reader.

Step1: Answer your research question

Answering a research question is the primary goal of conducting research. It involves using various methods and techniques to gather and analyze data, and then presenting the findings in a clear and concise manner. The following steps can help you answer your research question:

1. Clearly define the research question: Before beginning the research process, make sure you have a well-defined and specific research question. The question should be precise and focused, and it should reflect the objectives of the research.
2. Choose an appropriate research design: The research design you choose will depend on the nature of the research question and the type of data you need to collect. Common research designs include surveys, experiments, case studies, and observational studies.
3. Gather and analyze data: This involves collecting data through various methods such as surveys, interviews, observation, or literature review. Once you have collected the data, you need to analyze it to draw meaningful conclusions.
4. Present the results: The results of your research should be presented in a clear, concise, and easy-to-understand manner. You can use tables, graphs, and other visual aids to make the results more understandable.
5. Draw conclusions and make recommendations: Based on the results of your research, you should be able to draw conclusions and make recommendations. The conclusions should directly address the research question and be supported by the evidence collected during the research process.

Step 2: Summarize and reflect on your research

Summarizing and reflecting on research is an important step in the research process as it helps researchers to synthesize the findings of their study and understand its significance. This process can be approached in several ways, including:

1. Summarizing the results: This involves condensing the findings of the study into a succinct and coherent summary. The aim is to present the key results in a clear and concise manner, highlighting the most important findings and their implications.
2. Reflecting on the findings: This involves critically analyzing the results and their implications. Researchers should consider the implications of their findings for the field of study, as well as any limitations of the study and the potential for future research.
3. Evaluating the study’s impact: This involves considering the significance of the findings and their potential impact on the field of study. Researchers should consider the implications of their findings for policy, practice, and future research.

Step:3 Make future recommendations

Making future recommendations involves considering various factors, including current trends, market conditions, and individual circumstances, to provide advice or suggestions for a particular situation. Here are some key steps you can follow when making future recommendations:

1. Gather information: Start by researching and gathering data about the current market, trends, and relevant data. This information will help you form an accurate picture of the current situation.
2. Consider the audience: Who will be receiving the recommendations? What are their goals, preferences, and needs? Understanding the audience is critical in making recommendations that will be useful and relevant.
3. Evaluate options: Based on the information you have gathered, evaluate the different options available. Consider the pros and cons of each option, and weigh the potential benefits against any risks.

step 4 : Emphasize your contributions to your field

Emphasizing your contributions to your field is an important aspect of self-promotion and can help you advance in your career. Here are a few strategies for emphasizing your contributions:

1. Keep a record of your accomplishments: Maintain a detailed record of your work and the impact it has had on your field. This will help you accurately and effectively communicate your contributions to others.
2. Publish your work: Publishing your work in academic journals, conference proceedings, or industry magazines can help you establish your expertise and make your contributions visible to a wider audience.
3. Network: Attend conferences and events in your field and engage with other professionals. This will not only help you stay up-to-date on the latest developments, but also allow you to build relationships with others in your field and showcase your contributions.

Step 5: Wrap up your thesis or dissertation

Writing a thesis or dissertation is a long and complex process that requires extensive research, planning, and writing. Once you have completed your research and writing, it is time to wrap up your thesis or dissertation. Here are some steps that you can follow to wrap up your thesis or dissertation:

1. Revise and Edit: Carefully read through your thesis or dissertation to identify any mistakes or areas that need improvement. Make sure that your writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Consider having a friend or colleague review your work to get an outside perspective.
2. Formatting: Ensure that your thesis or dissertation is formatted correctly and meets the requirements set by your institution. Pay close attention to things like margins, page numbers, and headings.
3. Proofread: Proofread your thesis or dissertation several times to catch any remaining errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
4. Get Approval: Obtain the necessary approvals from your advisor, committee members, and/or department.

Full conclusion example

here’s a conclusion example for a hypothetical report on the benefits of exercise:

In conclusion, regular exercise has been shown to have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Physically, exercise can improve cardiovascular health, increase strength and flexibility, and help maintain a healthy weight. Mentally, exercise has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function. Additionally, exercise has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.

It is important to note that even moderate exercise, such as a 30-minute walk each day, can provide significant health benefits. Regular physical activity should be an essential part of everyone’s daily routine, as the benefits are numerous and can greatly improve overall well-being.