How to write a strong conclusion for your research paper
Last updated
17 February 2024
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Writing a research paper is a chance to share your knowledge and hypothesis. It's an opportunity to demonstrate your many hours of research and prove your ability to write convincingly.
Ideally, by the end of your research paper, you'll have brought your readers on a journey to reach the conclusions you've pre-determined. However, if you don't stick the landing with a good conclusion, you'll risk losing your reader’s trust.
Writing a strong conclusion for your research paper involves a few important steps, including restating the thesis and summing up everything properly.
Find out what to include and what to avoid, so you can effectively demonstrate your understanding of the topic and prove your expertise.
- Why is a good conclusion important?
A good conclusion can cement your paper in the reader’s mind. Making a strong impression in your introduction can draw your readers in, but it's the conclusion that will inspire them.
- What to include in a research paper conclusion
There are a few specifics you should include in your research paper conclusion. Offer your readers some sense of urgency or consequence by pointing out why they should care about the topic you have covered. Discuss any common problems associated with your topic and provide suggestions as to how these problems can be solved or addressed.
The conclusion should include a restatement of your initial thesis. Thesis statements are strengthened after you’ve presented supporting evidence (as you will have done in the paper), so make a point to reintroduce it at the end.
Finally, recap the main points of your research paper, highlighting the key takeaways you want readers to remember. If you've made multiple points throughout the paper, refer to the ones with the strongest supporting evidence.
- Steps for writing a research paper conclusion
Many writers find the conclusion the most challenging part of any research project . By following these three steps, you'll be prepared to write a conclusion that is effective and concise.
- Step 1: Restate the problem
Always begin by restating the research problem in the conclusion of a research paper. This serves to remind the reader of your hypothesis and refresh them on the main point of the paper.
When restating the problem, take care to avoid using exactly the same words you employed earlier in the paper.
- Step 2: Sum up the paper
After you've restated the problem, sum up the paper by revealing your overall findings. The method for this differs slightly, depending on whether you're crafting an argumentative paper or an empirical paper.
Argumentative paper: Restate your thesis and arguments
Argumentative papers involve introducing a thesis statement early on. In crafting the conclusion for an argumentative paper, always restate the thesis, outlining the way you've developed it throughout the entire paper.
It might be appropriate to mention any counterarguments in the conclusion, so you can demonstrate how your thesis is correct or how the data best supports your main points.
Empirical paper: Summarize research findings
Empirical papers break down a series of research questions. In your conclusion, discuss the findings your research revealed, including any information that surprised you.
Be clear about the conclusions you reached, and explain whether or not you expected to arrive at these particular ones.
- Step 3: Discuss the implications of your research
Argumentative papers and empirical papers also differ in this part of a research paper conclusion. Here are some tips on crafting conclusions for argumentative and empirical papers.
Argumentative paper: Powerful closing statement
In an argumentative paper, you'll have spent a great deal of time expressing the opinions you formed after doing a significant amount of research. Make a strong closing statement in your argumentative paper's conclusion to share the significance of your work.
You can outline the next steps through a bold call to action, or restate how powerful your ideas turned out to be.
Empirical paper: Directions for future research
Empirical papers are broader in scope. They usually cover a variety of aspects and can include several points of view.
To write a good conclusion for an empirical paper, suggest the type of research that could be done in the future, including methods for further investigation or outlining ways other researchers might proceed.
If you feel your research had any limitations, even if they were outside your control, you could mention these in your conclusion.
After you finish outlining your conclusion, ask someone to read it and offer feedback. In any research project you're especially close to, it can be hard to identify problem areas. Having a close friend or someone whose opinion you value read the research paper and provide honest feedback can be invaluable. Take note of any suggested edits and consider incorporating them into your paper if they make sense.
- Things to avoid in a research paper conclusion
Keep these aspects to avoid in mind as you're writing your conclusion and refer to them after you've created an outline.
Dry summary
Writing a memorable, succinct conclusion is arguably more important than a strong introduction. Take care to avoid just rephrasing your main points, and don't fall into the trap of repeating dry facts or citations.
You can provide a new perspective for your readers to think about or contextualize your research. Either way, make the conclusion vibrant and interesting, rather than a rote recitation of your research paper’s highlights.
Clichéd or generic phrasing
Your research paper conclusion should feel fresh and inspiring. Avoid generic phrases like "to sum up" or "in conclusion." These phrases tend to be overused, especially in an academic context and might turn your readers off.
The conclusion also isn't the time to introduce colloquial phrases or informal language. Retain a professional, confident tone consistent throughout your paper’s conclusion so it feels exciting and bold.
New data or evidence
While you should present strong data throughout your paper, the conclusion isn't the place to introduce new evidence. This is because readers are engaged in actively learning as they read through the body of your paper.
By the time they reach the conclusion, they will have formed an opinion one way or the other (hopefully in your favor!). Introducing new evidence in the conclusion will only serve to surprise or frustrate your reader.
Ignoring contradictory evidence
If your research reveals contradictory evidence, don't ignore it in the conclusion. This will damage your credibility as an expert and might even serve to highlight the contradictions.
Be as transparent as possible and admit to any shortcomings in your research, but don't dwell on them for too long.
Ambiguous or unclear resolutions
The point of a research paper conclusion is to provide closure and bring all your ideas together. You should wrap up any arguments you introduced in the paper and tie up any loose ends, while demonstrating why your research and data are strong.
Use direct language in your conclusion and avoid ambiguity. Even if some of the data and sources you cite are inconclusive or contradictory, note this in your conclusion to come across as confident and trustworthy.
- Examples of research paper conclusions
Your research paper should provide a compelling close to the paper as a whole, highlighting your research and hard work. While the conclusion should represent your unique style, these examples offer a starting point:
Ultimately, the data we examined all point to the same conclusion: Encouraging a good work-life balance improves employee productivity and benefits the company overall. The research suggests that when employees feel their personal lives are valued and respected by their employers, they are more likely to be productive when at work. In addition, company turnover tends to be reduced when employees have a balance between their personal and professional lives. While additional research is required to establish ways companies can support employees in creating a stronger work-life balance, it's clear the need is there.
Social media is a primary method of communication among young people. As we've seen in the data presented, most young people in high school use a variety of social media applications at least every hour, including Instagram and Facebook. While social media is an avenue for connection with peers, research increasingly suggests that social media use correlates with body image issues. Young girls with lower self-esteem tend to use social media more often than those who don't log onto social media apps every day. As new applications continue to gain popularity, and as more high school students are given smartphones, more research will be required to measure the effects of prolonged social media use.
What are the different kinds of research paper conclusions?
There are no formal types of research paper conclusions. Ultimately, the conclusion depends on the outline of your paper and the type of research you’re presenting. While some experts note that research papers can end with a new perspective or commentary, most papers should conclude with a combination of both. The most important aspect of a good research paper conclusion is that it accurately represents the body of the paper.
Can I present new arguments in my research paper conclusion?
Research paper conclusions are not the place to introduce new data or arguments. The body of your paper is where you should share research and insights, where the reader is actively absorbing the content. By the time a reader reaches the conclusion of the research paper, they should have formed their opinion. Introducing new arguments in the conclusion can take a reader by surprise, and not in a positive way. It might also serve to frustrate readers.
How long should a research paper conclusion be?
There's no set length for a research paper conclusion. However, it's a good idea not to run on too long, since conclusions are supposed to be succinct. A good rule of thumb is to keep your conclusion around 5 to 10 percent of the paper's total length. If your paper is 10 pages, try to keep your conclusion under one page.
What should I include in a research paper conclusion?
A good research paper conclusion should always include a sense of urgency, so the reader can see how and why the topic should matter to them. You can also note some recommended actions to help fix the problem and some obstacles they might encounter. A conclusion should also remind the reader of the thesis statement, along with the main points you covered in the paper. At the end of the conclusion, add a powerful closing statement that helps cement the paper in the mind of the reader.
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In a short paper—even a research paper—you don’t need to provide an exhaustive summary as part of your conclusion. But you do need to make some kind of transition between your final body paragraph and your concluding paragraph. This may come in the form of a few sentences of summary. Or it may come in the form of a sentence that brings your readers back to your thesis or main idea and reminds your readers where you began and how far you have traveled.
So, for example, in a paper about the relationship between ADHD and rejection sensitivity, Vanessa Roser begins by introducing readers to the fact that researchers have studied the relationship between the two conditions and then provides her explanation of that relationship. Here’s her thesis: “While socialization may indeed be an important factor in RS, I argue that individuals with ADHD may also possess a neurological predisposition to RS that is exacerbated by the differing executive and emotional regulation characteristic of ADHD.”
In her final paragraph, Roser reminds us of where she started by echoing her thesis: “This literature demonstrates that, as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”
Highlight the “so what”
At the beginning of your paper, you explain to your readers what’s at stake—why they should care about the argument you’re making. In your conclusion, you can bring readers back to those stakes by reminding them why your argument is important in the first place. You can also draft a few sentences that put those stakes into a new or broader context.
In the conclusion to her paper about ADHD and RS, Roser echoes the stakes she established in her introduction—that research into connections between ADHD and RS has led to contradictory results, raising questions about the “behavioral mediation hypothesis.”
She writes, “as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”
Leave your readers with the “now what”
After the “what” and the “so what,” you should leave your reader with some final thoughts. If you have written a strong introduction, your readers will know why you have been arguing what you have been arguing—and why they should care. And if you’ve made a good case for your thesis, then your readers should be in a position to see things in a new way, understand new questions, or be ready for something that they weren’t ready for before they read your paper.
In her conclusion, Roser offers two “now what” statements. First, she explains that it is important to recognize that the flawed behavioral mediation hypothesis “seems to place a degree of fault on the individual. It implies that individuals with ADHD must have elicited such frequent or intense rejection by virtue of their inadequate social skills, erasing the possibility that they may simply possess a natural sensitivity to emotion.” She then highlights the broader implications for treatment of people with ADHD, noting that recognizing the actual connection between rejection sensitivity and ADHD “has profound implications for understanding how individuals with ADHD might best be treated in educational settings, by counselors, family, peers, or even society as a whole.”
To find your own “now what” for your essay’s conclusion, try asking yourself these questions:
- What can my readers now understand, see in a new light, or grapple with that they would not have understood in the same way before reading my paper? Are we a step closer to understanding a larger phenomenon or to understanding why what was at stake is so important?
- What questions can I now raise that would not have made sense at the beginning of my paper? Questions for further research? Other ways that this topic could be approached?
- Are there other applications for my research? Could my questions be asked about different data in a different context? Could I use my methods to answer a different question?
- What action should be taken in light of this argument? What action do I predict will be taken or could lead to a solution?
- What larger context might my argument be a part of?
What to avoid in your conclusion
- a complete restatement of all that you have said in your paper.
- a substantial counterargument that you do not have space to refute; you should introduce counterarguments before your conclusion.
- an apology for what you have not said. If you need to explain the scope of your paper, you should do this sooner—but don’t apologize for what you have not discussed in your paper.
- fake transitions like “in conclusion” that are followed by sentences that aren’t actually conclusions. (“In conclusion, I have now demonstrated that my thesis is correct.”)
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Home » Research Paper Conclusion – Writing Guide and Examples
Research Paper Conclusion – Writing Guide and Examples
Table of Contents
Research Paper Conclusion
The conclusion of a research paper is the final section that ties together the findings, restates the main arguments, and provides closure for readers. A well-crafted conclusion not only summarizes the paper’s insights but also highlights its broader implications and suggests future research directions. This guide explores the steps involved in writing an effective conclusion, offering tips and examples to help you end your research paper on a strong note.
Purpose of a Research Paper Conclusion
The conclusion serves several important purposes:
- Summarize Key Findings : Recap the main findings of the research in a concise way.
- Reinforce the Thesis : Remind readers of the main argument or research question.
- Highlight Implications : Discuss the broader significance of the findings.
- Suggest Future Research : Identify areas for further study or unresolved questions.
Structure of a Research Paper Conclusion
- Restate the Thesis : Briefly restate the research question or thesis statement, using different wording.
- Summarize Main Points : Highlight the key findings or arguments without going into detailed explanations.
- Discuss Implications : Explain what the findings mean in a larger context, considering their impact on the field or related areas.
- Recommend Future Research : Suggest potential directions for future studies based on any remaining questions or limitations in your work.
Steps to Write a Strong Research Paper Conclusion
Step 1: restate the thesis.
Begin the conclusion by rephrasing the research question or thesis statement. This reminds readers of the core argument and connects it to the findings.
Example : Original Thesis: “This study examined the effects of social media on adolescent mental health, focusing on its impact on self-esteem and anxiety levels.” Restated Thesis: “This research has highlighted the significant role that social media plays in shaping adolescent self-esteem and contributing to anxiety.”
Step 2: Summarize Key Findings
Next, summarize the most important findings or arguments from the paper. Keep this summary brief, as the main body has already provided details.
Example : “Analysis of the data revealed a clear correlation between high social media usage and low self-esteem among adolescents. Additionally, increased time spent online was associated with higher levels of anxiety, particularly among female participants.”
Step 3: Discuss the Broader Implications
In this section, explore the significance of the findings. Discuss how they contribute to the existing knowledge or impact the field. If applicable, address any potential practical or policy implications.
Example : “These findings underscore the need for educators, parents, and policymakers to develop strategies for supporting mental health among young people in a digital age. They suggest that moderating social media use may be beneficial for adolescent well-being.”
Step 4: Suggest Future Research Directions
Identify any gaps in the research or limitations that could be addressed in future studies. This section demonstrates the study’s contribution to ongoing research.
Example : “Future research should explore the long-term effects of social media use on mental health and examine potential moderating factors, such as family support and self-regulation strategies. A larger, more diverse sample would also enhance the generalizability of these findings.”
Examples of Research Paper Conclusions
Example 1: environmental science research paper conclusion.
Thesis Restatement : “This study has demonstrated the significant impact of deforestation on biodiversity loss in the Amazon rainforest.”
Summary of Findings : “The data shows that deforestation contributes directly to habitat loss, reducing species diversity and increasing the risk of extinction.”
Broader Implications : “These results emphasize the urgent need for stronger environmental protection policies to prevent further degradation of one of the world’s most vital ecosystems.”
Future Research Suggestions : “Future research should investigate the effects of deforestation on ecosystem services, such as water purification and carbon storage, which play a critical role in climate regulation.”
Example 2: Business Research Paper Conclusion
Thesis Restatement : “This research has explored how organizational culture influences employee satisfaction and retention.”
Summary of Findings : “The study found that companies with a supportive and inclusive culture reported higher employee satisfaction and lower turnover rates.”
Broader Implications : “These findings suggest that fostering a positive work environment not only benefits employees but also contributes to organizational success.”
Future Research Suggestions : “Future studies could examine how different types of leadership styles impact organizational culture and employee satisfaction across various industries.”
Example 3: Psychology Research Paper Conclusion
Thesis Restatement : “This research investigated the relationship between mindfulness practices and stress reduction among college students.”
Summary of Findings : “Participants who practiced mindfulness exercises reported lower levels of stress and improved mental clarity compared to the control group.”
Broader Implications : “These results highlight the potential of mindfulness programs as a simple, effective tool for stress management, especially in academic settings.”
Future Research Suggestions : “Further studies should explore how the duration and frequency of mindfulness practices influence their effectiveness and examine their long-term impact on mental health.”
Tips for Writing an Effective Conclusion
- Be Concise : Avoid re-explaining details from the body of the paper. Focus on the main takeaways and keep the conclusion brief.
- Stay Objective : Avoid introducing new arguments or data. Stick to summarizing and interpreting existing information.
- Use Strong Language : Convey confidence in your findings and their significance, while remaining balanced and objective.
- Avoid Redundancy : Do not repeat phrases or sentences verbatim from earlier sections. Rephrase to keep the conclusion fresh and engaging.
- End on a Positive Note : Aim to leave readers with a clear sense of the study’s contribution to the field and any actions that may result from the findings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Introducing New Information : The conclusion is not the place to introduce new ideas or findings.
- Repeating the Introduction : Avoid copying the introduction’s content. Instead, synthesize the paper’s main points and implications.
- Being Overly General : Focus on specific conclusions rather than vague statements. Make sure your conclusions are directly related to your research.
- Ignoring Limitations : Address any limitations honestly, as they provide context for interpreting the results and contribute to transparency.
Writing a strong research paper conclusion involves restating the thesis, summarizing key findings, discussing implications, and suggesting future research directions. A well-written conclusion leaves a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of the research and opening doors for further inquiry. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your conclusion effectively wraps up your study and communicates its significance.
- Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2016). The Craft of Research . University of Chicago Press.
- Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
- Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2017). They Say, I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing . W.W. Norton & Company.
- Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. B. (2012). Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills . University of Michigan Press.
- Turabian, K. L. (2013). A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations . University of Chicago Press.
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