It can be difficult to write a thesis or dissertation conclusion. It is the final part of the task, where you connect the concepts and themes you have covered in your study. Here's your chance to highlight the importance of your work and make a lasting impact. Let us examine each stage in greater detail so that you can ensure your work ends on the right note.
1. Restate Your Thesis
Restate your thesis or the main research topic at the very beginning. This shows how your work has changed and serves to remind readers of its main points. Importantly, you should not just paste your original thesis statement into a new document. Rewrite it instead to take into account the new understandings and insights that came about from your research.
For example, rewrite your thesis statement to show if your research confirmed or disproved your original theory, which was a theory regarding something particular. By doing this, you are indicating the path you have walked by drawing a line from the start to the finish of your research.
2. Summarize Key Findings
It is time to rewrite your thesis and then provide an overview of the key conclusions. This is an important phase since it provides the reader with an overview of the findings and conclusions of your research. But do not get too specific—this is not the place for fresh information or a thorough justification. Rather, pay attention to the most important lessons that are connected to your thesis.
To summarise each major fact, consider using bullet points or short, well-written words. The objective is to highlight the arguments that directly support your thesis or research question and to remind readers of the supporting data you have provided.
3. Discuss the Significance
Analyze why your findings are important in this part. In the context of your field, what do they mean? In what ways do they advance our understanding of the world, or provide fresh perspectives? This is your opportunity to demonstrate the relevance of your work beyond its academic application.
Consider the additional effects of your findings. Does it recommend any new best practices, for example? Does it contradict or confirm accepted theories? You highlight the influence of your work by talking about its relevance, which is important in academic and professional settings.
4. Address Limitations
It is critical to note in your conclusion that no study is perfect. Recognizing one's limitations shows reality and intellectual integrity. Think about any limitations you encountered, related to methodology, sample size, scope, or outside variables, that could have affected your findings.
This acknowledgement is about being open and honest, not about minimizing your work. By talking about your work's limitations, you might offer suggestions for how future research can expand on it or address its limitations. It also demonstrates your awareness of the complex nature of research and your reality regarding the conclusions that your study can and cannot reach.
5. Suggestions for Future Research
This part allows you to make suggestions for future research directions, building on the limits debate. What questions still need to be answered? Which subjects need more research? By making suggestions, you support further research and demonstrate how your work fits into a more general academic debate.
Your suggestions must be useful and closely connected to what you discovered. This is not the place for proposals that are too general or abstract. Rather, concentrate on particular areas where more research would be useful and provide specific instances of how academics could build on your work.
6. Conclude with a Strong Final Statement
This is your last chance to make a lasting impression with your message. It should serve as an appealing conclusion that summarises the main ideas of your thesis or dissertation. This might be an inspiring quote, a call to action, or a thought-provoking statement that captures the essence of your business.
Your readers should be struck by this remark and find it stimulating as they follow your thesis through. It can be an in-depth examination of the effects of your research or a refutation of a popular belief. The secret is to close on a high note that highlights the importance of your results.
7. Keep It Brief
Even though it could be tempting to go into great detail, the conclusion should still be brief. It serves as the thesis's conclusion, summarising and bringing everything together. Make sure every word contributes to the overall meaning of your message by aiming for clarity.
It is a good idea to limit the conclusion of your thesis or dissertation to between five and seven percent of its overall length. By doing this, you can make sure that your summary is short and free of unnecessary details or new information. A short finish has a higher chance of making an impression.
Tips for Writing Your Conclusion
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Reflect on the tone of your thesis: Your conclusion should have a tone that is in line with the remainder of your thesis. Keep the professional, academic tone of your work throughout the conclusion.
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Link back to your introduction: Referencing topics or queries from your opening will help to bring the piece to a satisfying conclusion. This provides an organized structure for your thesis.
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Proofread carefully: Typographical or error-filled conclusions may reduce the effect of your work. Spend some time editing and making sure your ending is flawless.
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Seek feedback: Consult with your classmates or supervisor for comments before submitting your conclusion. This can guarantee the effectiveness of your conclusion and offer insightful information.
Conclusion
Writing a strong conclusion is an essential component of any dissertation or thesis. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact and highlight the significance of your study. You can write a conclusion that successfully explains your work and encourages more research in your field by following these recommendations and thoroughly completing each phase.
FAQs
1. Why is the conclusion so important in a thesis or dissertation?
The conclusion is your final opportunity to summarize your work and emphasize its importance. It brings closure to your research and leaves a lasting impression.
2. How long should the conclusion be?
A common guideline is to keep it between 5-7% of the total length of your thesis or dissertation.
3. Can I introduce new information in the conclusion?
No, the conclusion is not for new information or arguments. It's meant to summarize and bring closure to your work.
4. How should I address limitations in the conclusion?
Acknowledge specific limitations, discuss their impact on your findings, and suggest how future research could address them.
5. What makes a strong final statement in a thesis or dissertation conclusion?
A strong final statement is memorable and impactful. It can be a thought-provoking insight or a call to action, leaving a lasting impression.