Conclusion

How it is used

As a section, the conclusion answers the research questions, states the contribution and often points to future research; it does not introduce new data. 'In conclusion' is a common signpost in student essays but appears less often in published articles.

Example sentences

1. The conclusion should answer each research question briefly.

2. We reached the conclusion that the intervention was effective only for younger learners.

Common collocations

• reach a conclusion
• in conclusion
• conclusion chapter
• tentative conclusion

Related terms

• discussionThe section of a research article or thesis that interprets the results, compares them with earlier studies and explains their meaning and limitations.
• findingsThe results or information that a study discovers after its data have been collected and analyzed.
• draw a conclusionTo decide what something means or what is true after thinking carefully about the evidence or results.
• limitationA weakness or restriction in a study's design, sample or methods that affects how far its findings can be generalized or trusted.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• conclusion · Philosophy

More terms: Thesis and Article Structure

• abstract
• thesis
• dissertation
• paper
• draft
• proofread
• IMRaD
• introduction
• methods section
• keyword
• appendix
• thesis statement