How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper + Example

A research paper conclusion is an important part of the writing process. To make sure you end your paper on a solid note, here are the steps you'll need to follow:

• Restate the research problem.
• Summarize your key findings.
• Tie your findings back to the bigger picture.
• Avoid introducing new information.
• End with a strong, memorable statement.

This article is here to explain how to write a conclusion for a research paper that wraps up your paper neatly. By the end, you'll know exactly how to tie everything together, making your research stand out.

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Step 1: Restate Your Problem

When you reach the conclusion of a research paper, you should not just repeat the problem from the introduction. Here, you need to give it a fresh perspective based on everything you've explored. The goal is to zoom out from the specifics and remind the reader of the broader issue.

Try to show that the problem you started with still matters and is worth revisiting after discussing all the details. Instead of repeating the exact phrasing, use the insights from your paper to reframe the problem and highlight its significance one last time.

For instance, if your paper is about climate change and its effect on agriculture, you could restate the problem like this: "The challenge of protecting crops from climate change must ensure food security for communities worldwide in the face of unpredictable weather patterns."

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Step 2: Restate the Thesis

Restating the thesis in your conclusion doesn't mean repeating the same words you used at the beginning. You want to remind the reader of the original claim and quickly summarize how the evidence and arguments you've presented led to it.

Offer a final, broad look at your argument - where you started, the key steps along the way, and where you ended up.

For example, if your thesis was about the importance of empathy in leadership, you could restate it by saying: "This paper has demonstrated that empathy in leadership is not just a nice-to-have trait. Rather, it is a driving force behind employee satisfaction and productivity, as shown by the multiple examples of effective leaders across various industries."

The conclusion in a research paper should not be rehashing each argument but simply reinforcing the strength of your original point, now backed by the evidence you've presented.

Step 3: Outline the Key Findings

In this part of the conclusion, you're summarizing the most important discoveries from your research. Focus on the key takeaways that directly support your thesis or problem statement. You want the reader to walk away with a clear understanding of what you've found without getting bogged down in the details.

For example, if your paper explored the effects of remote work on employee productivity, you could outline your findings like this: "The research reveals that remote work increases productivity for some employees, especially in flexible environments, while others struggle with isolation and distractions at home."

Here, you're drawing attention to the main results that directly connect to the problem and thesis discussed earlier.

Step 4: Link the Importance or Outcomes of Your Findings

Now that you've outlined your key findings, it's time to explain why they matter. This step connects your research to the broader context. You want to show the reader why your findings are important and how they might impact the field or real-world situations.

Focus on zooming out again and showing how your results fit into the bigger picture. You can also discuss potential implications, future research, or how your findings could influence decision-making or practice in the relevant area.

For example, if your paper was about how urban planning affects public health, you might link your findings to real-world outcomes: "These findings suggest that cities should prioritize green spaces and walkable areas to improve public health, particularly in areas with high pollution and low access to parks."

Step 5: Wrap Up Your Ideas

The final step in your conclusion is to tie everything together. Restate the significance of your research and end with a thought-provoking idea or call to action. This is not the place to introduce new arguments or evidence but rather to reinforce the central themes. You want to leave the reader with something to think about, whether it's a challenge, a solution, or a broader perspective on the issue.

For example, if your paper was about climate action, you might wrap up by saying: "Ultimately, the urgency of climate change demands immediate, collaborative action from all sectors - governments, businesses, and individuals alike - if we are to secure a sustainable future."

Here, you remind the reader why the issue matters and how it might continue to evolve.

See a related guide on the research paper table of contents.

Research Paper Conclusion Example

When writing a research paper conclusion, it can be helpful to see an example of how everything comes together.

Vertical Farming: A Sustainable Solution to Urban Food Insecurity

Vertical Farming: A Sustainable Solution to Urban Food Insecurity

Don't miss out on our list of research topics for inspiration!

Different Conclusion Styles for Research Papers

The type of conclusion you choose can depend on your topic, the nature of your research, and the overall tone of your paper.

Here are three common types:

1. Summarizing Conclusion: This is the most widely used type of conclusion. A summarizing conclusion simply reviews the key points you've discussed in your paper. It's perfect for papers where the goal is to reinforce the findings and close the discussion on a solid note.
2. Externalizing Conclusion: This type takes the discussion one step further by considering ideas or implications that may not have been directly addressed in the body of your paper. It can involve exploring new questions that arise from your findings or considering how your research connects to broader or different areas of study. An externalizing conclusion allows you to suggest ways your topic could evolve or link to real-world applications in a way that wasn't fully explored in the main body.
3. Editorial Conclusion: Here, you offer your personal perspective or commentary on the subject you've researched. Unlike the other types, an editorial conclusion is more subjective, and it allows you to express your thoughts about the outcomes or significance of your study. It's a good option if your research has led you to a specific conclusion that you want to emphasize or if you want to leave the reader with a thought-provoking reflection on the topic.

Helpful Hints for Writing a Conclusion for a Research Paper

Now that you know about the different types, let's look at some helpful hints that will help you write your research paper conclusion that ties everything together.

• Keep it focused. Don't stray from the main point; keep your conclusion directly tied to your thesis and key findings.
• Avoid introducing new details or arguments. The conclusion should wrap up the discussion, not bring in new ideas that need more explanation.
• Be confident in your final statement. This is your last chance to make an impact, so make sure your final thoughts are clear and assertive.
• Connect your findings to the real world. Show how your research might apply beyond the paper, whether it's for future research or practical use.
• Don't overdo it with the summary. A short and punchy review of the key points is enough - don't turn it into another detailed analysis of your paper.
• End with something memorable. Whether it's a thought-provoking question or a call to action, leave your reader with something to think about after they've finished.

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Quick Recap

Let's quickly review the key steps for writing a strong conclusion:

• Restate your research problem.
• Summarize your main findings.
• Show the significance of your results.
• Don't introduce new information.
• End with a final, impactful thought.

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