Your dissertation is the culmination of years of research and effort. After diving deep into your topic, analysing data, and crafting your argument, there’s one last step: the conclusion.
This part is crucial. It’s your final opportunity to impress your committee by summarising your main points and showcasing the importance of your research.
But fear not! With these steps and key points, you can write a conclusion that wraps up your dissertation with confidence.
Understanding the Difference: Conclusion vs. Discussion
Before we dive in, it’s important to distinguish the conclusion from the discussion section. While both sections address your research findings, they serve slightly different purposes.
Discussion: This section delves deeper into your findings, analysing data, interpreting results, and discussing their implications within the broader context of your field.
Conclusion: This section ties everything together in a concise and impactful way. It summarizes the key takeaways from your research, emphasizes your contributions, and suggests avenues for future exploration.
Elements of a Well-Crafted Conclusion
Clear Answer to the Research Question
Your conclusion should begin by restating the main research question that guided your dissertation. This is your chance to reaffirm the purpose of your study and provide a clear, concise answer based on your findings.
Avoid simply repeating a list of results; instead, synthesis them into a coherent takeaway that encapsulates the essence of your research.
Summary and Reflection on the Research Process
Next, summarise and reflect on your research process. Highlight why you chose the approach you did, what you expected to find, and how well the results aligned with your expectations.
Rather than merely summarise each section of your dissertation, take a more reflective approach, considering the effectiveness of your methodology and any unexpected insights that emerged during the research process.
Recommendations for Future Work
Use the conclusion as an opportunity to make recommendations for future research. Building on the findings of your study, suggest avenues for further exploration and consider the broader implications of your research in both theoretical and practical terms.
However, be careful not to undermine your own work or exaggerate the applicability of your findings. Frame your recommendations as suggestions rather than mandates, acknowledging the ongoing nature of academic inquiry.
Emphasise Contributions to the Field
Highlight the contributions your research has made to your field of study. Whether you’ve addressed a gap in knowledge, confirmed or challenged existing theories, or provided new insights, make sure your readers understand the significance of your work.
Return to your problem statement and literature review to contextualise your research within the broader scholarly conversation and demonstrate its relevance.
Wrapping Up Your Dissertation
As you conclude your dissertation, don’t forget to tie up any loose ends and prepare your document for submission. Write your abstract while the research is still fresh in your mind, ensuring it accurately reflects the content and significance of your study. Double-check your reference list for completeness and accuracy, and create a table of contents and title page if necessary.
Finally, thoroughly proofread your dissertation to ensure clarity and correctness.
Tip: If you ever find yourself stuck while working on your dissertation, don’t hesitate to reach out to a reliable professor or editor for the necessary dissertation help.
Creating a Compelling Conclusion: A 5-Step Guide
Now that we’ve established the distinction, let’s break down the steps to writing a stellar conclusion for your dissertation:
Step 1: Answer Your Research Question – The Grand Reveal
The conclusion kicks off by revisiting the research question that served as the cornerstone of your entire dissertation. This is your chance to unveil the answer you’ve uncovered through your research journey.
Remember, clarity is key. Don’t simply repeat the question verbatim. Instead, rephrase it in a way that incorporates your findings, creating a clear and concise statement that encapsulates the essence of your research.
For example, if your research question was “What are the factors influencing consumer buying behaviour for sustainable products?” your conclusion might begin with:
“This dissertation investigated the factors influencing consumer buying behaviour for sustainable products. Through a comprehensive analysis of…” (Here, you’d briefly mention your research methods). > “…the study found that…” (Here, you’d state your key findings).
Step 2: Summarise and Reflect – A Concise Recap
This is your chance to offer a concise summary of your research journey. Briefly remind the reader of the research methods you employed, the key findings you unearthed, and the main points you discussed in the previous chapters.
However, this isn’t a rehash of your entire dissertation! Focus on the most important elements that support your answer to the research question.
Step 3: Future Horizons – Paving the Way for Further Exploration
Great research doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Your findings are bound to spark new questions and open doors for further exploration. The conclusion is the perfect platform to suggest areas for future research.
This demonstrates the broader significance of your work and inspires further investigation in your field.
Here’s how you can introduce future research opportunities:
“While this research sheds light on the factors influencing consumer behaviour for sustainable products, further studies could explore…” (Here, you’d suggest specific areas for future investigation).
Step 4: Highlighting Your Contribution – Standing Out in Your Field
Your dissertation is more than just an exploration of a topic – it’s a valuable contribution to your field. The conclusion allows you to showcase how your research advances existing knowledge.
Here are some strategies to emphasise your contribution:
- Addressing Knowledge Gaps: Explain how your research fills a gap in the existing literature.
- Challenging Assumptions: Did your findings challenge existing theories or assumptions? Discuss this in your conclusion.
- Building on Existing Knowledge: If your research builds upon established studies, acknowledge those contributions and explain how your work expands on them.
Here’s an example of emphasising your contribution:
“This research contributes to the field of consumer behaviour by…” (Here, you’d explain how your findings add new knowledge or challenge existing perspectives).
Step 5: Wrapping Up – The Final Touches
With the key elements covered, it’s time to wrap up your dissertation. Here are a few final steps:
- Leave a Lasting Impression: The concluding sentence should leave the reader with a final thought or takeaway regarding the significance of your research.
- Proofread with Care: Double-check your conclusion for any grammatical errors or typos. A polished conclusion reflects well on your overall work.
- Read it Aloud: Reading your conclusion aloud can help you identify areas that sound awkward or unclear.
Bonus Tip: Consider the Tone
The tone of your conclusion should be confident and authoritative. You’ve invested significant time and effort into your research, and your conclusion should reflect that expertise. However, avoid sounding arrogant or boastful. Instead, focus on presenting your findings in a clear, concise, and impactful manner.
Bottom Line!
Writing a compelling conclusion for your dissertation is a critical step in completing your academic journey. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to crafting a conclusion that does justice to your dissertation.
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