The conclusion of a research paper is an important part of your work, yet it often gets less attention than the introduction or body. It should provide a clear summary of your main findings, explain their importance, and give your paper a sense of closure.

It's also helpful to discuss how your findings can be used in real-world situations or guide decisions, especially for practitioners and policymakers.

The conclusion should explain how your findings fit into the larger picture of your field. It should show whether your results confirm or challenge existing ideas or theories. You should also point out any unanswered questions or areas where more research is needed, showing that you understand the wider research landscape.

Make sure your conclusion speaks to the interests of your audience, whether they are researchers, practitioners, policymakers, or a mix of these groups.

What is a conclusion in a research paper

The conclusion of a research paper is where you summarize your research and highlight the key findings. It’s not the place to introduce new information or data that wasn’t discussed in the main body of the paper. When writing your conclusion, focus on summarizing and interpreting the content already covered. The purpose of the research paper conclusion is to:

• Warn readers about the possible consequences if the problem isn’t addressed.

• Suggest specific actions or solutions.

• Restate the key points to reinforce the main message of your paper.

• Offer a final "take-home" message that you want readers to remember about your study.

Types of conclusions for research papers

In research papers, the conclusion gives closure to the reader. The type of conclusion you choose depends on your study, goals, and audience. Here are three common types of research paper conclusions:

Summarizing Conclusion

This is the most common type. It involves summarizing the main points, repeating the research question, and restating the importance of your findings. It’s used in many types of research papers across different fields.

Editorial Conclusion

This type is less common and is used when the paper proposes or supports a specific viewpoint or policy. It presents a strong opinion based on the research and suggests actions or recommendations.

Externalizing Conclusion

An externalizing conclusion goes beyond the paper by suggesting future research or discussing the broader impact of the findings. This type is often used in theoretical or exploratory research papers.

Importance of a good research paper conclusion

The conclusion of a research paper serves several key purposes:

• Offers Implications and Recommendations: The conclusion is a great place to discuss the broader impact of your research and suggest areas for further study. You can also provide practical recommendations based on your findings.

• Provides Closure: A strong conclusion gives your paper a sense of closure. It should leave the reader feeling that they’ve reached the end of a well-organized and thoughtful research project.

• Leaves a Lasting Impression: A well-written conclusion can leave a lasting impression on your readers. It’s your final chance to give them a new idea, encourage action, or leave them with a memorable message.

How to write a conclusion for your research paper

Writing a strong conclusion for your research paper is key to leaving a lasting impression on your readers. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on what to include in the conclusion:

• Restate the Research Statement: Start by restating your research statement. This reminds the reader of the main point you’ve been proving throughout your paper. Keep it clear and brief.

• Summarize Key Points: Summarize the main arguments and key points from your paper. Avoid introducing new information. Instead, give a brief overview of what you’ve already discussed.

• Address Research Questions: If your paper is based on specific research questions or hypotheses, briefly mention whether you’ve answered them or met your research goals. Talk about the significance of your findings.

• Explain Significance: Highlight the importance of your research. Explain why your findings matter and how they add to the existing knowledge in your field.

• Discuss Implications: Think about the practical or theoretical impact of your research. How might your findings affect future research, policies, or real-world applications? Consider the "so what?" question.

• Suggest Future Research: Offer suggestions for future studies in your area. What questions are still unanswered or need more exploration? This shows that your work sets the stage for further research.

• End with a Closing Thought: Finish your conclusion with a memorable statement. This can leave a lasting impression on your readers and neatly wrap up your paper. Avoid introducing new information or arguments here.

• Proofread and Revise: Finally, carefully proofread your conclusion. Check for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Make sure your ideas flow smoothly and that your conclusion is clear and well-structured.

A well-crafted conclusion for your research paper shows the strength of your research and how well you communicate its importance. It should leave a strong impression on your readers and bring together all the key points from your paper.

Now that you know how to write a conclusion and what to include, let’s take a look at a research paper conclusion example.

Research paper conclusion examples

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I include in my research paper conclusion?

The conclusion of your research paper is important because it gives you one last chance to leave a strong impression on your readers. In your conclusion, restate your research statement and summarize the key findings of your paper. Address the research questions or goals, and explain the wider context of your study. Highlight why your findings matter, give recommendations if needed, and emphasize the main takeaway message. The conclusion should remind readers of your paper’s main point and offer a clear summary of your findings and their significance. Including these elements will help you make a strong final statement in your research paper.

What are the key elements of a strong research paper conclusion?

A strong conclusion is crucial in a research paper because it helps you wrap up your ideas, remind readers of your main points, and leave a lasting impression. Here are the key elements of a good conclusion:

• Conciseness: Keep the conclusion brief and focused. Don’t introduce new ideas that weren’t discussed in the paper.

• Summarization: Summarize the main points of your research, giving readers a clear understanding of what your paper contributed.

• Relevance: Make sure everything in the conclusion is related to your research topic and objectives. Avoid adding irrelevant details.

• Connection to the Introduction: A strong conclusion links back to the introduction, showing how your research answered the initial questions or addressed the goals.

• Emphasis: Highlight why your research matters and discuss its broader implications or potential applications.

• Call to Action: End with a suggestion for future research or action based on your findings

How long should a research paper conclusion be?

The length of your research paper conclusion depends on factors like the paper's overall length, the complexity of your research, and any specific guidelines from the journal or professor. While there’s no strict rule, it’s best to keep the conclusion short. Typically, a research paper conclusion should be about 5-10% of the total paper length. For example, if your paper is 10 pages long, your conclusion will likely be around half a page to one full page.

Should I include citations in the conclusion?

Normally, you don't need to include citations in the research paper conclusion. Citations are usually reserved for the body of the paper to back up your arguments and provide evidence. However, there are a few exceptions:

If you directly quote or paraphrase a specific source in your conclusion, make sure to include a citation to credit the original author.

If you mention important research, data, or sources that are key to your overall argument, it’s okay to include citations to support your conclusion.