A research paper conclusion is the final section where you synthesize your thoughts, reiterate the significance of your study, and provide the reader with a lasting impression. The conclusion serves several important purposes:

  • Restating the research problem or question addressed in the paper    
  • Summarizing the main arguments, findings, or insights from your research
  • Highlighting the key takeaways and implications of your work

The specific content and structure of the conclusion may vary depending on the nature of your research paper. For example, a paper presenting original empirical findings will have a different conclusion than one that constructs an argument by analyzing existing literature.

When writing the conclusion of your research paper, it’s best to avoid using phrases such as “In conclusion” or “To conclude.” These expressions can come across as redundant and unrefined, as the reader is already aware that they are reading the conclusion based on the content and positioning of the section.

Regardless of the type of research paper you are writing, the following steps will guide you in crafting an effective and impactful conclusion.

Step 1: Restate the problem

The first step in writing your conclusion is to restate the research problem or question that your paper addresses. This helps to provide context for the reader and reminds them of the main focus of your research.

When restating the problem, it’s important to do so concisely and without simply repeating what you wrote in the introduction. Instead, try to paraphrase the problem statement in a way that highlights the key issues or questions you set out to investigate.

Argumentative paper example

Despite the growing recognition of the importance of mental health in overall well-being, many employers continue to neglect the mental health needs of their workforce.”

Empirical paper example

With the rapid growth of telemedicine in recent years, it is crucial to examine how virtual healthcare delivery impacts patient satisfaction and health outcomes compared to traditional in-person care.

Step 2: Sum up the paper

The next step is to provide a concise summary of the main points, arguments, or findings presented in your paper. This is your opportunity to remind the reader of the key insights or conclusions you arrived at through your research.

When summarizing your paper, focus on the most important and relevant points. Avoid introducing new information or getting bogged down in minor details.

Argumentative paper: Restate your thesis and arguments

When writing the conclusion of an argumentative paper, it’s important to revisit your thesis statement, which you initially presented in the introduction. This restatement should demonstrate how your thesis has been supported and developed throughout the body of your paper.

Provide a concise summary of the main arguments you made in the body of your paper, highlighting how each point contributes to the overall persuasiveness of your thesis. If you addressed any counterarguments in your paper, you may also briefly mention them here, emphasizing why your position remains valid despite these opposing views. This is particularly important if your argument is controversial or likely to be met with skepticism.

Example

The evidence presented in this paper demonstrates that the United States must take swift action to address the growing student debt crisis. By implementing a combination of loan forgiveness programs, income-driven repayment plans, and tuition-free public college initiatives, we can alleviate the financial burden on millions of Americans and ensure that higher education remains accessible to all. While critics may argue that these measures are too costly or unfair to those who have already paid off their loans, the long-term social and economic benefits of a well-educated and financially stable population far outweigh these concerns.

Empirical paper: Summarize your findings

When writing the conclusion of an empirical paper, it’s essential to provide a concise summary of your main findings. While you will have already presented your detailed results and discussion in previous sections, the conclusion is an opportunity to highlight the key outcomes of your research.

State the answers to your research questions, even if they differ from your initial hypotheses or expectations. Explain the overall conclusions drawn from your findings and their significance within the context of your study.

Example

The results of this randomized controlled trial demonstrate that a 12-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in college students. Participants in the MBSR group showed a greater decrease in self-reported anxiety and depression scores compared to the control group, and these improvements were maintained at a 6-month follow-up assessment. Furthermore, the MBSR group reported higher levels of mindfulness and self-compassion, suggesting that these may be important mechanisms through which the program exerts its beneficial effects. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions for improving mental health outcomes in young adults.

Step 3: Discuss the implications

The final step in writing your conclusion is to discuss the broader implications of your research. This is where you consider the potential impact of your findings or arguments on the field of study, policy, or society.

When discussing the implications, think about the following questions:

  • What are the practical applications of your research?
  • How might your findings influence future research or theory development?
  • What are your conclusions’ potential social, economic, or political consequences?

It’s also important to acknowledge your study’s limitations and suggest directions for future research. This demonstrates your understanding of the issue’s complexity and the need for ongoing investigation.

Argumentative paper: Strong closing statement

When concluding an argumentative paper, it’s important to end with a strong closing statement that reinforces the significance of your argument and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

If your argument is practical in nature, consider ending with a call to action that outlines the specific steps you believe relevant stakeholders should take in response.

Example

To effectively combat the opioid epidemic, it is imperative that policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders work together to implement a comprehensive approach that prioritizes prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. This should include expanding access to evidence-based addiction treatment, increasing public education on the risks of opioid misuse, and implementing policies that reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorders. Taking decisive action can save countless lives and build a healthier, more resilient society for future generations.

If your argument is more theoretical or unsuitable for a call to action, your closing statement should emphasize its broader implications. This could involve proposing a new understanding of the topic, identifying potential areas for future research, or highlighting the relevance of your argument to other fields or contexts.

Example

The findings of this analysis challenge the prevailing notion that social media platforms are neutral spaces for public discourse. By demonstrating how algorithmic biases can amplify certain voices and suppress others, this paper underscores the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in the design and regulation of these platforms. As social media continues to shape public opinion and political outcomes, it is crucial that we develop an understanding of its underlying mechanisms and work to ensure that it serves as a tool for empowerment and democracy rather than a weapon of manipulation and control.

Empirical paper: Future research directions

When concluding an empirical research paper, it’s often valuable to provide suggestions for future research or recommendations for practical applications, depending on the nature of your study.

Regardless of the scope of your current research, there will always be opportunities for further exploration of related topics, and conducting your study likely reveal new questions or areas of interest.

To end your paper on a forward-thinking note, consider proposing potential avenues for future research that could build upon your findings or address any limitations of your current study.

Example

While this study provides initial evidence for the effectiveness of a smartphone-based mindfulness intervention in reducing stress among college students, several questions remain for future research. First, longer-term follow-up assessments are needed to determine whether the benefits of the intervention are maintained over time. Second, future studies should include objective measures of stress, such as cortisol levels or heart rate variability, to complement the self-report measures used in this study. Finally, research is needed to examine the specific components of the intervention that are most effective and to explore potential moderators of treatment response, such as personality traits or prior experience with mindfulness practices. By addressing these questions, future research can help optimize smartphone-based mindfulness interventions and expand their reach to diverse populations.

Research paper conclusion examples

Here are two research paper conclusion examples, one for an argumentative paper and one for an empirical paper.

Argumentative paper conclusion

The obesity epidemic in the United States is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address. While individual behavior change is often emphasized as the primary solution, it is clear that broader societal and environmental factors play a significant role in shaping our food choices and physical activity levels. To truly combat this crisis, we must implement policies and programs that create healthier environments and make it easier for people to make healthy choices. This includes increasing access to affordable, nutritious foods in underserved communities, improving the walkability and safety of our neighborhoods, and regulating the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children. Additionally, we must invest in education and prevention efforts that promote healthy lifestyles from an early age and support individuals struggling with obesity. By taking a comprehensive, systems-level approach, we can create a society that prioritizes health and well-being for all. The time for action is now – we must come together to address this urgent public health crisis and build a healthier future for generations to come.

Explanation

  • Research problem: The conclusion restates the complexity of the obesity epidemic and the need for a multifaceted approach.
  • Thesis restatement: The conclusion reiterates the main argument that addressing the obesity crisis requires implementing policies and programs that create healthier environments and make it easier for people to make healthy choices.
  • Call for action: The conclusion urges readers to act now and unite as a nation to address the obesity epidemic and build a healthier future.

Empirical paper conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of healthcare workers worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and burnout among frontline healthcare workers in a large urban hospital during the peak of the pandemic. The results revealed that a significant proportion of healthcare workers experienced elevated levels of anxiety (45%), depression (38%), and burnout (56%). Factors such as longer work hours, lack of personal protective equipment, and exposure to COVID-19 patients were associated with higher levels of psychological distress. These findings highlight the urgent need for interventions to support the mental health of healthcare workers during this unprecedented crisis. Hospitals and healthcare organizations must prioritize the well-being of their staff by providing access to mental health resources, ensuring adequate rest and recovery time, and creating a supportive work environment. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating the effectiveness of targeted interventions to mitigate the psychological impact of the pandemic on healthcare workers. Additionally, longitudinal studies are needed to understand the long-term mental health consequences of the pandemic and identify strategies for building resilience in the face of future public health emergencies.

Explanation

  • Research problem: The conclusion restates the study’s focus on investigating the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers.
  • Findings: The conclusion summarizes the key findings, including the high prevalence of anxiety, depression, and burnout among healthcare workers and the factors associated with psychological distress.
  • Future research: The conclusion suggests future research directions, such as developing and evaluating targeted interventions and conducting longitudinal studies to understand the long-term mental health consequences of the pandemic.