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How to Write a Dissertation Conclusion: Students’ Guide

Dissertation Conclusion

As a graduate student, you’ve invested countless hours into your research, data analysis, and writing. You’ve poured your heart and soul into your dissertation, and now it’s time to bring it all together with a strong conclusion. But where do you start?

Writing a dissertation conclusion can be a nerve-wracking task, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your research and demonstrate its significance to your field. A well-written conclusion should summarize the key findings and implications of your research effectively and leave a strong impression on your readers.

In this comprehensive guide, the experts of our essay writer service will take you through the steps of writing a dissertation conclusion, from clearly stating the answer to your main research question, to summarizing and reflecting on your research process, to making recommendations for future work. We’ll also provide you with tips and examples to help you write a stunning and engaging conclusion that showcases your research and leaves a lasting impact. So, whether you’re struggling to find the right words or just need some guidance to get started, read on to learn how to write a dissertation conclusion that will make your hard work shine.

Dissertation Conclusion: A Brief Explanation

A dissertation conclusion is a final chapter that provides a summary of the main points of a dissertation and offers a final analysis of the research. The purpose of a dissertation conclusion is to answer the main research question(s) and to reflect on the implications of the research findings.

In a dissertation conclusion, the researcher should restate the research questions and briefly summarize the research methodology, the main findings, and the key conclusions that were reached. It is important to be concise and to avoid repeating information that has already been discussed in the main body of the dissertation.

In addition to summarizing the main findings, a dissertation conclusion should also reflect on the broader implications of the research. The researcher should discuss the significance of the research findings, and offer suggestions for future research. It is important to consider the limitations of the research and to acknowledge any potential biases or gaps in the research.

Overall, a dissertation conclusion is an opportunity for the researcher to provide a final analysis of the research, and to demonstrate the contribution of the research to the field of study. A well-written dissertation conclusion should leave the reader with a clear understanding of the key findings and implications of the research, and should highlight the significance of the research for future studies in the field.

Get more insights into how to write a dissertation with the help of this guide.

What is the Difference Between a Summary and a Conclusion in a Dissertation?

The main difference between a summary and a conclusion is their purpose and content.

A summary provides a condensed overview of the main points and findings of the dissertation. It aims to give readers a clear understanding of the key aspects of the research without going into too much detail. A summary is usually located at the beginning of the dissertation and it serves as an introduction to the rest of the work.

On the other hand, a conclusion is a section that appears at the end of a dissertation, after the main body of the work. Its purpose is to bring together all the key points discussed in the dissertation and provide a final analysis of the research. A conclusion should answer the main research question(s) and reflect on the implications of the research findings.

While both a summary and a conclusion provide an overview of the research, a summary is a brief overview of the entire dissertation, whereas a conclusion is a more in-depth analysis of the research findings.

Check out our expert’s guide to writing excellent descriptive essays.

What is the Purpose of the Dissertation Conclusion Chapter?

The purpose of the dissertation conclusion chapter is to provide a concise summary of the main findings of the research and to interpret these findings in the context of the research question and objectives. The conclusion serves as the final statement of the research project and should leave readers with a clear understanding of the significance of the research and its contributions to the field.

More specifically, the purpose of the dissertation conclusion can be summarized as follows:

  • Summarize your research findings and key arguments: One of the main purposes of a dissertation conclusion is to provide a concise summary of your research findings and key arguments. This section should highlight the most important aspects of your research, and provide a brief overview of your main findings and their implications.
  • Tie your research back to your research question and objectives: Another important purpose of a dissertation conclusion is to tie your research back to your original research question and objectives. This section should demonstrate how you have answered your research question, and how you have achieved your research objectives.
  • Provide insights into the significance and implications of your research: A dissertation conclusion should also provide insights into the significance and implications of your research. This section should highlight the importance of your research, and explain how your research contributes to the existing body of knowledge in your field.
  • Suggest directions for future research: Finally, a dissertation conclusion should suggest directions for future research. This section should provide recommendations for future research, and explain how your research could be extended or improved upon in the future.

Simply put, the purpose of a dissertation conclusion is to provide a comprehensive and insightful analysis of your research findings and to situate the findings within the broader context of the field of study. By doing so, the conclusion serves to emphasize the significance of the research and to inspire future research and innovation in the field.

Dissertation Conclusion Outline Format

Following the typical dissertation structure, here is a possible outline format for a dissertation conclusion:

I. Summary of the Research

  • Restate the research problem and research questions
  • Summarize the main findings of the study
  • Discuss the implications of the study’s results

II. Conclusions

  • Discuss the significance of the study’s findings in relation to the research problem
  • Evaluate the study’s success in achieving its objectives
  • Discuss any limitations of the study and how they may have impacted the results

III. Contribution to Existing Knowledge

  • Discuss the originality of the research and its contribution to the existing literature
  • Highlight any new insights or perspectives gained from the study
  • Discuss the potential impact of the research on theory, practice, or policy

IV. Recommendations

  • Provide recommendations for future research based on the study’s limitations or unanswered questions
  • Discuss any practical recommendations that can be drawn from the study’s findings
  • Provide suggestions for how the study’s results could be applied in practice or policy

V. Reflections on the Research Process

  • Reflect on the research process and discuss any challenges encountered
  • Evaluate the research methodology and discuss any changes that could be made for future research
  • Discuss any lessons learned from the research process

VI. Final Remarks

  • Summarize the main points of the conclusion
  • Discuss the significance of the study for the research field and its potential impact
  • Provide any final reflections or recommendations.

Step-by-Step Process for Writing a Dissertation Conclusion

Now that we’ve provided a detailed outline of the conclusion chapter, let’s take a look at how to write one following the same outline.

Step 1: Summary of the Research

  1. Begin your dissertation conclusion by restating the research problem and research questions. This reminds your reader of the primary focus of your study. Use similar language to what you used in your introduction section, but rephrase it slightly to avoid redundancy.
  2. Briefly summarize the main findings of your study, highlighting the key results that have emerged from your analysis. Consider organizing this section by the research questions or hypotheses that you posed in your study.
  3. After summarizing your main findings, discuss their implications for your research problem and the broader research field. Consider addressing questions such as: What do your findings tell us about the phenomenon you studied? How do they advance our understanding of the research problem? What are the practical or theoretical implications of your findings?

Step 2: Conclusions

  1. Discuss the significance of your study’s findings by linking them to the research problem you set out to investigate. Explain how your findings help to answer your research questions or hypotheses and what they reveal about the phenomenon you studied. Consider the following questions: What new insights do your findings offer? How do they help to fill gaps in the existing literature? How do they contribute to theory or practice?
  2. Evaluate the extent to which your study achieved its objectives. Explain whether you were able to answer your research questions or hypotheses and to what extent you were able to accomplish your research aims. Discuss any factors that may have affected your study’s success, such as limitations in your research design or data collection methods.
  3. Identify and discuss any limitations of your study, such as sample size or data collection methods, and discuss how they may have affected the results. Be honest about the limitations of your study, but also highlight the strengths of your research design.

Step 3: Contribution to Knowledge

  1. Discuss the originality of your study and its contribution to the existing literature. Identify how your study builds on previous research and what new insights or perspectives it offers. Consider questions such as: What is novel about your research? How does it advance existing knowledge? How does it challenge or confirm existing theories or assumptions?
  2. Highlight any new insights or perspectives gained from your study, emphasizing their significance and relevance to the research field. Consider questions such as: What new perspectives emerged from your research? How do they help to deepen our understanding of the phenomenon you studied? What new avenues for future research do they suggest?
  3. Discuss the potential impact of your research on theory, practice, or policy. Consider how your findings may be applied in the real world and what implications they may have for future research. Consider questions such as: What are the practical implications of your findings? How might they inform policy or practice? What new questions do they raise that future research could explore?

Step 4: Recommendations

  1. Provide recommendations for future research based on the limitations of your study or unanswered questions that emerged from your research. Identify areas where further investigation is needed and suggest potential research designs or methodologies that could be used.
  2. Next, discuss any practical recommendations that can be drawn from your study’s findings. Consider how your research could be applied in practice and provide specific recommendations for practitioners or policymakers. Be sure to base your recommendations on the evidence and findings of your study.
  3. Provide suggestions for how your study’s results could be applied in practice or policy. Consider how your findings could be used to inform decision-making or improve existing practices. Provide specific recommendations and be sure to explain the rationale behind them.

Step 5: Reflections on the Research Process

  1. Reflect on the research process and discuss any challenges that you encountered. Explain how you overcame these challenges and what you learned from them. Consider how your research experience has shaped your understanding of the research field and your future research interests.
  2. Evaluate the research methodology you used and discuss any changes that could be made for future research. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your research design and explain how it could be improved upon in future studies. Consider how your research design could be adapted to address new research questions or hypotheses.
  3. Finally, discuss any lessons you learned from the research process. Reflect on what you learned about the research field, your research skills, and the research process itself. Consider how you might apply these lessons to future research endeavors.

Step 6: Final Remarks

  1. Summarize the main points of your dissertation conclusion, emphasizing the significance of your study’s findings and the contribution it has made to the research field.
  2. Discuss the significance of your study for the research field and its potential impact on theory, practice, or policy. Consider how your study has advanced our understanding of the phenomenon you studied and what new questions it has raised for future research.
  3. Provide any final reflections or recommendations, emphasizing the importance of your study and its relevance to the research field. Consider how your findings could be used to inform future research and practice.

Keep in mind that writing a thesis or dissertation conclusion requires careful consideration of the main findings of the research, their interpretation, and their significance. By following these steps, you can create an effective and impactful conclusion that demonstrates the importance and contributions of your research project to the field of study. In case you don’t have a strong idea of how to write a thesis, our experienced academic professionals can help guide you accurately.

Dissertation Conclusion Sample

Here is an example of a dissertation conclusion:

Topic: “The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Anxiety Symptoms in College Students”

Conclusion:

This research project aimed to investigate the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on anxiety symptoms in college students. The findings of this study revealed that mindfulness-based interventions can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms in college students, as evidenced by the decrease in scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) following the intervention. Furthermore, the qualitative data collected through interviews with participants suggested that mindfulness-based interventions can provide students with coping mechanisms for managing anxiety and stress.

Through this research project, new knowledge has been contributed to the field of psychology and mental health. Specifically, the findings suggest that mindfulness-based interventions can be an effective treatment option for college students experiencing anxiety symptoms. Additionally, this study provides insights into the experiences of college students participating in mindfulness-based interventions, which can inform future interventions in this population.

Based on the limitations of this study, recommendations for future research include expanding the sample size, conducting a randomized controlled trial, and investigating the long-term effects of mindfulness-based interventions on anxiety symptoms. This research has important implications for mental health professionals working with college students, as well as for the development of mindfulness-based interventions in the broader context of mental health treatment.

The findings of our research suggest that mindfulness-based interventions have the potential to be a valuable treatment option for college students who experience symptoms of anxiety. This study is expected to add to the expanding research on mindfulness-based interventions and encourage their application in mental health treatment.

Few Tips to Keep in Mind When Writing the Conclusion

Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when writing the perfect dissertation conclusion:

  • Be concise and to the point: Avoid adding unnecessary details or repeating information that has already been discussed in the main body of your dissertation. Instead, focus on summarizing the key points and findings of your research.
  • Use clear and simple language: Remember that your dissertation conclusion should be easy to understand and accessible to a wide range of readers. Avoid using jargon or technical language that may confuse or alienate your audience.
  • Be objective: Your conclusion should be based on the evidence presented in your dissertation. Avoid introducing new information or making unsupported claims.
  • Consider the limitations of your research: Acknowledge the limitations of your research and discuss how they may impact the validity of your findings.
  • Consider the broader implications of your research: Think beyond the specific research question and consider how your findings contribute to the larger body of knowledge in your field. What are the implications for future research or practical applications in the real world?
  • Offer concrete recommendations for future research: Use your dissertation conclusion as an opportunity to suggest areas for future research and potential avenues for exploration. This can help to extend the impact of your work beyond your immediate research question.
  • End on a strong note: Your dissertation conclusion is the last thing your readers will see, so it’s important to leave a lasting impression. Consider ending with a memorable quote, a call to action, or a thought-provoking question that encourages further reflection.

Conclusion

A strong conclusion can leave a lasting impression on your readers and enhance the overall quality of your dissertation. To write a convincing dissertation conclusion, follow the step-by-step process outlined in this guide and keep in mind the tips for effective writing. With these strategies, you can create a compelling conclusion that will impress your readers and leave a lasting impact. In case you still feel like you’re struggling with your paper, you have the option to seek support from Help My Assignment Service.

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