We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Write a Research Paper Conclusion?

Jessica Ellis
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 24,343
Share

A research paper conclusion is one of the most important parts of writing a complete paper. The conclusion is the last chance the author possesses to convince the reader of his or her argument. Depending on the type of paper required, the conclusion may need to fit somewhat different requirements.

Writing a research paper conclusion should be relatively simple, provided that the beginning and middle of the paper are in order. Generally, at the beginning of a research paper, the author makes a thesis statement that defines an idea, topic, or premise that the paper will be primarily about. The middle portion of most research papers has to do with the research undertaken in pursuit of proving or understanding the thesis. The conclusion is often about how the thesis was proved, disproved, or altered due to the findings of the research. It may help to remind the reader of the thesis and define how it was adjusted thanks to the research.

It is important that the conclusion of a research paper not simply be a restatement of the thesis. For serious research papers, if the thesis is so obvious that no research or evidence refutes it in any way, it is generally not an acceptable topic. Most research papers seek to make a student step beyond the existing bounds of solid knowledge and further scholastic discussion on a topic. It is not usually a bad thing if research findings conflict with the initial thesis; the place to discuss adjustments to the original stated idea is in the research paper conclusion.

Some standards suggest that the research paper conclusion include reflections about the research process and how it could have been better or more efficient. This is a good place to summarize what was learned along the way and shows that the student is taking an interest in their own improvement, rather than simply being concerned with the topic of the paper. Check to make sure this portion of the conclusion is required, however, as it is not always a necessity.

Remember that a research paper doesn't simply end, it must conclude. Try to use elegant and clear wording when writing a research paper conclusion, making sure to remind the reader of the thesis, the salient points of the research, and the final answers reached by the writer. Much like a handshake and a polite “thank you,” a good research paper conclusion can make a final and lasting impression on the reader that may translate directly into a better grade.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Jessica Ellis
By Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis brings a unique perspective to her work as a writer for WiseGeek. While passionate about drama and film, Jessica enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics, creating content that is both informative and engaging for readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By gravois — On Dec 25, 2012

Are there any research paper examples that I could look at for some guidance then I am writing my own conclusion?

By ZsaZsa56 — On Dec 24, 2012

I have heard two schools of thought about writing conclusions.

One school says that in the conclusion you should basically just summarize your findings and restate your thesis. You basically want to demonstrate that your argument was correct.

The other school of thought advocates for suggesting further topics for study or consideration. It takes the research that has come before it and points for new directions that it could move into.

Personally, I prefer the second approach. What do you guys think?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-write-a-research-paper-conclusion.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.