Research Paper Conlcusion

Chapter 5: Summary and Conclusion

(Each of the following sections contains a suggested page length; however, the length of each section should be determined by sufficiency, completeness, and the nature of the research.)

Introduction

Summarize the problem and purpose with similar language to what you used in the introduction of Chapter 1. This introduction to the chapter should be less than 1 page in length.

Summary of the Results

This is where you will summarize the findings in your own words. You may find it useful to revisit the summaries presented in Chapter 4. Think of how you would describe your study findings to an interested colleague. Keep the writing scholarly, but not overly technical or statistically heavy. The length of this section varies depending on the study and design.

Interpretation of Findings

Describe in what ways findings confirm, refute, or extend knowledge in the discipline by comparing them to the literature featured in Chapter 2. Please note: you should not introduce new literature in Chapter 4 or 5. Analyze and interpret the findings in the context of the framework as appropriate. Ensure interpretations do not exceed the data, findings, and scope. Anything that you feel is important to note that is beyond the data and findings can be included in the recommendations section. This section should be 3-7 pages in length.

Limitations of the Study

This section is similar to what appears in earlier chapters, whoever, it is from a different angle. Describe the limitations to generalizability, trustworthiness, validity, and reliability that arose from execution of the study. There may be many, or they may be few limitations in this regard. This section should be about 1 page in length.

Recommendations

Describe recommendations for further research that are grounded in the strengths and limitations of the current study as well as the literature reviewed in Chapter 2. This is where you can bring a bit of yourself into the project. Think of ways that, in hindsight, you may have approached the study to elicit different results. Ensure recommendations do not exceed study or ethical boundaries. This section should be 2-4 pages in length.

Conclusions

Close with a strong “take away” message where you capture the key essence of the study for your reader. This section should be less than 1 page in length.