How do you use evidence and examples to support your research conclusion?

1 Summarize your main points

The first step to writing a research conclusion is to remind your readers of your main points. This does not mean repeating your introduction or abstract, but rather highlighting the key findings and arguments that you have developed throughout your paper. You can use signposting words like "in summary", "to conclude", or "in brief" to indicate that you are wrapping up your discussion. You should also avoid introducing new information or ideas that are not relevant to your research question or objectives.

2 Explain your implications

The next step to writing a research conclusion is to explain the implications of your main points. This means showing how your findings contribute to the existing knowledge, address a gap in the literature, or solve a problem in the field. You can also discuss the limitations of your research, such as the scope, methods, or data, and how they affect the validity or generalizability of your results. You can use words like "therefore", "thus", or "hence" to show the logical connection between your points and their implications.

3 Connect to the literature

The final step to writing a research conclusion is to connect your points and implications to the literature. This means relating your findings to the previous studies, theories, or frameworks that you have cited or reviewed in your paper. You can also compare and contrast your results with those of other researchers, and explain how your research adds to or challenges the existing understanding of the topic. You can use words like "similarly", "however", or "in contrast" to show the relationship between your research and the literature.

4 Use evidence and examples

One of the most important aspects of writing a research conclusion is to use evidence and examples to support your points and implications. Evidence and examples can help you demonstrate the validity, relevance, and significance of your findings, and persuade your readers to accept your argument. You can use different types of evidence and examples, such as statistics, quotes, case studies, or anecdotes, depending on your discipline, topic, and audience. You should also make sure that your evidence and examples are accurate, reliable, and appropriate for your purpose and context.

5 Follow the guidelines

Another important aspect of writing a research conclusion is to follow the guidelines of your discipline, journal, or institution. Different fields and publications may have different expectations and requirements for the structure, length, and style of your conclusion. You should also check the formatting, citation, and referencing rules that apply to your paper. You can consult the instructions, examples, or templates provided by your supervisor, editor, or reviewer to ensure that your conclusion meets the standards and expectations of your field and audience.

6 Revise and proofread

The final aspect of writing a research conclusion is to revise and proofread your work. Revising and proofreading can help you improve the clarity, coherence, and correctness of your conclusion, and eliminate any errors or inconsistencies that may undermine your credibility or professionalism. You can use various strategies and tools to revise and proofread your conclusion, such as reading aloud, asking for feedback, or using online checkers or editors. You should also allow yourself enough time and space to review your conclusion before submitting or publishing your paper.