How to write the conclusion of a research article, complete guide and explanations.
Conclusion of a research article: definition
The conclusion of the research article is the part which, as its name suggests, will synthesize the entire article, as well as the results, the theories, while providing a concrete answer to the initial problem.
The conclusion is very important because it brings the document to a close, it gives a more global vision and allows us to broaden to other subjects if possible.
Objectives and challenges of the conclusion
The conclusion is therefore particularly important, since it allows us to summarize what has been said, which is even more important when the subject is complex, or the article is very long. The essential points are highlighted, so the reader can have an overview so as not to lose in mind the answer to the problem given at the beginning of the document.
In addition, the conclusion has other objectives, such as assessing whether the results were good or bad, whether the initial assumptions could be founded or not.
The conclusion, as we said above, makes it possible to open the subject, to define if necessary other research, or to set up practical applications of what has been found. The aim is to strengthen the consequences of this research, particularly in a specific field.
Among the main issues, it is a question of avoiding recalling something that has already been said before, the research article must really bring something more. Without added value, the conclusions that are drawn are no longer relevant. We must also make other researchers and professionals want to investigate these questions, while recognizing that the hypotheses given may of course have certain limitations.
Diversity in areas of application
No matter how much academic research one undertakes, the conclusion is always present. In scientific research, in order, as we have said above, to demonstrate or refute this or that hypothesis, but also in theses and memoirs, in more technical documents, in various articles and other publications.
How do you write the conclusion of a research paper?
Step 1
The first step in the conclusion is to reread the entire article that has been written, because as we said above, the conclusion is a synthesis of the whole. For it to be coherent, this synthesis must be both clear and precise, but not too developed either, the conclusion is never too long.
Proofreading allows you to keep an overall vision of what has been achieved.
The main objective of this review is to keep in mind the objectives, not to forget the points that must be included in this conclusion and those that are not relevant. What are the discoveries, the theories that have turned out to be the most important for the whole article?
Step 2
The second step is to recall why this research was carried out. There are many answers, because it can be in the context of an academic work, a science or medicine article, etc.
It is at this point that we will demonstrate that the answer to the problem has been given. The basic objectives will therefore be put forward, but quickly, the objective is no longer to develop but to synthesize.
For example, "during this study, we wanted to demonstrate that..., we put forward this or that theory, etc...
Step 3
Then, the results that have been obtained will have to be summarized, by means of a synthesis, which is also the subject of a method. It is here that the author will talk about his discoveries, those that he thinks are the most important, the most relevant to the choice of the initial subject, and above all, those that best correspond to the problem.
Be careful, however, because it is not recommended, or even forbidden, to add new hypotheses to a conclusion. The conclusion must synthesize but not be a source of additions, otherwise, the work quickly lacks coherence.
At this stage, the author will focus on the results that are the most important, those that respond to the problem.
In addition, in an introduction, sentences should be short, simple and as factual as possible.
Step 4
In this step, it is important to emphasize how important the results found are for research, why they are useful, determining, for whom. It is a question of highlighting oneself and one's work, one's research, so that it is recognized and justly appreciated.
Why and on what aspect can the results found offer a new perspective?
Once the opportunities have been considered, it is then important to recognize that the study carried out may have certain limitations. This part is not simple but is still mandatory. Indeed, you must know how to show the limits but without denigrating the work done.
Step 5
Finally, we must open work on potential new research. Research articles are both made to interest, but also to arouse the curiosity of other researchers, so that they wish to continue or expand the research.
Indeed, it may happen that some theories have remained unanswered, and that these theories may be of interest to other specialists.
End the conclusion with a sentence that will make a good impression on readers and specialists. This last reflection must inspire, highlight the urgency, the interest of a situation, etc.
Conclusion
The conclusion in the research articles is therefore indispensable in the overall work, as it allows the most important elements to be synthesized, and to highlight all the results, which bring added value to the document. The conclusion is intended to highlight the relevance of the added elements, and to allow other specialists in the field to broaden their research. The conclusion should not be a summary, if a simple synthesis brings the final touch to the file, it opens the subject to new opportunities.
It is a way of guiding readers' decisions in their research, which is why all work must demonstrate ethics and authenticity.
https://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/Conclusion%20Section%20for%20Research%20Papers.pdf
https://www.cwauthors.com/article/how-to-write-the-conclusion-section-of-a-scientific-article
