Tips For Writing Dissertation Conclusion

December 7, 2016

The purpose of the dissertation conclusion is to provide a comprehensive summary of the main findings and outcomes of your research. This section allows you to restate the research problem and objectives, highlighting the significance of your study. In the dissertation conclusion, you should also assess the limitations and strengths of your research, providing a critical analysis of the methodologies used. Additionally, it is important to discuss the implications of your findings and how they contribute to existing knowledge in your field of study. The conclusion should also acknowledge any unanswered questions or areas for future research. Finally, the dissertation conclusion should leave the reader with a sense of closure and reinforce the significance and relevance of your research.

Key Elements to Include in the Dissertation Conclusion

The dissertation conclusion should include several key elements to ensure its effectiveness and comprehensiveness. Here are the important elements to consider:

  • Restate the research problem and objectives
  • Summarize the main findings
  • Evaluate the limitations and strengths
  • Discuss the implications of your findings
  • Identify unanswered questions or areas for future research
  • Reinforce the significance and relevance of your study

Restate the research problem and objectives

Restating the research problem and objectives in the dissertation conclusion is important as it reminds the reader of the main focus and purpose of the study. This allows the reader to recall the main research question and helps to provide context for the overall summary of the findings. The restatement should be clear and concise, emphasizing the main objectives and research questions that were addressed in the study. By doing so, you can create a sense of closure, reinforcing the purpose of your research and highlighting the key contributions made. Restating the research problem and objectives also allows for a smooth transition to the summary of the main findings and outcomes of the study. It is important to note that while restating these elements, you should avoid introducing new information, instead focusing on summarizing the findings that support or contradict your research hypothesis or research questions.

Summarizing the Main Findings and Contributions

Summarizing the main findings and contributions in the dissertation conclusion is essential as it allows the reader to grasp the key outcomes and insights of your study. Here are some helpful tips for effectively summarizing the main findings and contributions:

  1. Concise summary: Provide a brief but comprehensive overview of the main findings. Highlight the most significant results that directly address your research problem and objectives.
  2. Organize by research question/objective: If your study was organized by research questions or objectives, consider summarizing the findings for each one separately. This helps the reader easily understand how each objective was addressed and the corresponding findings.
  3. Highlight supporting evidence: Present the evidence or data that supports your findings. This could include statistical analysis, qualitative quotes, or any other relevant information that strengthens your conclusions.
  4. Point out contradictions: If there are any findings that contradict your initial hypothesis or expectations, acknowledge and discuss them. This demonstrates critical thinking and adds depth to your analysis.
  5. Emphasize the contributions: Clearly articulate the key contributions of your research. This could involve filling gaps in existing knowledge, providing practical insights, or offering new perspectives on the topic.
  6. Relate findings back to the research problem: Make explicit connections between your findings and the initial research problem to showcase the integrity and relevance of your study.

By effectively summarizing the main findings and contributions in your dissertation conclusion, you provide a comprehensive and impactful overview of your research outcomes.

Discussing the Limitations of the Study

Every research study has its own set of limitations, and this dissertation is no exception. It is essential to acknowledge these limitations to maintain the integrity of the research process. One limitation of this study is the sample size, which was limited to a specific population in a particular geographic area. This may restrict the generalizability of the findings to a wider population. Additionally, due to time and resource constraints, the research was conducted over a limited period, potentially influencing the representation of long-term effects or trends. Another limitation is the reliance on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and recall errors. Moreover, the study focused primarily on qualitative methods, potentially limiting the scope of quantitative analysis. Despite these limitations, this research offers valuable insights into the topic and can serve as a foundation for future studies.

Exploring the Practical Implications of the Findings

The findings of this dissertation hold practical implications that can guide future research, inform policy decisions, and contribute to the overall understanding of the topic. Here are some of the key practical implications that arose from this study:

  • Policy implications: The insights gained from this research can inform policymakers in developing targeted interventions and strategies. For example, if the study identified certain factors that contribute to a particular outcome, policymakers can implement policies that address and mitigate these factors.
  • Professional practice guidance: The findings can be valuable for professionals working in related fields. For instance, if the study identified certain best practices or effective approaches in a specific context, professionals can apply these findings to enhance their practice and improve outcomes for their clients or patients.
  • Educational implications: The research findings can have implications for educational institutions and curriculum development. If the study revealed gaps in knowledge or areas that need further attention, educators can incorporate these findings into their teaching and research agendas.

It is important to note that further research and contextual considerations are necessary when applying these practical implications. Nonetheless, the insights gained from this study have the potential to drive positive change and advancement in the field.

Providing Recommendations for Future Research

In the process of writing a dissertation conclusion, it is important to highlight the gaps in existing research and suggest avenues for future exploration. This section offers an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the topic’s limitations and propose potential directions for further investigation.

Firstly, it is crucial to identify areas where the current study fell short or encountered constraints. This could include limitations in data collection methods, sample size, or theoretical frameworks. By acknowledging these limitations, future researchers can be guided towards addressing these gaps in order to enhance the validity and reliability of their work.

Furthermore, offering recommendations for future research can help to build on the findings of your study. Consider proposing new research questions or hypotheses that emerged from your work, outlining potential methodologies, and discussing the potential impact of pursuing these lines of inquiry.

Ultimately, by providing recommendations for future research, you contribute to the scholarly conversation and inspire future researchers to fill the gaps identified in your dissertation.

Reinforce the Significance and Relevance of Your Study

In the concluding section of your dissertation, it is crucial to reinforce the significance and relevance of your study. This is an opportunity to remind the reader of the value your research brings to the academic field or the broader community.

Begin by summarizing the main findings and contributions of your study. Highlight the key insights and implications that emerged from your research, demonstrating how they address the research problem or question you initially set out to investigate. This reinforces the importance of your study and its relevance in advancing knowledge in your field.

Moreover, emphasize the broader implications of your research. Discuss how your findings contribute to theory, practice, and policy, providing tangible evidence of the relevance and potential impact of your study. Consider discussing any practical applications or recommendations that can be derived from your research, further highlighting its significance in addressing real-world issues.

By reinforcing the significance and relevance of your study in the dissertation conclusion, you leave the reader with a lasting impression of the value and importance of your research in the larger context.

Making a Strong Final Statement

The final statement of your dissertation conclusion is your opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the reader. This is your chance to summarize your research and its implications, and to provide a strong closing argument that solidifies the significance of your study. Here are some strategies to help you make a strong final statement:

  1. Summarize your main findings: Recapitulate the key findings and insights from your research, highlighting the most important aspects that contribute to the overall understanding of the topic.
  2. Emphasize the significance: Reiterate the significance of your study by discussing how it fills a gap in existing knowledge, advances the field, or contributes to theory, practice, or policy.
  3. Discuss limitations: Address the limitations of your study transparently, acknowledging any constraints or challenges encountered during the research process. This shows your awareness of the limitations and adds credibility to your work.
  4. Highlight practical implications: Discuss the practical applications and recommendations that can be derived from your research. Emphasize how your findings can inform decision-making, guide future research, or impact real-world issues.
  5. Inspire future research: Suggest avenues for future research, identifying areas where further investigation is warranted. Highlight the potential research questions or hypotheses that emerged from your work, and discuss potential methodologies that can be employed to explore these questions.

In conclusion, a strong final statement in your dissertation conclusion should effectively summarize your research, reiterate its significance, address limitations, highlight practical implications, and inspire future research. By following these strategies, you can leave the reader with a lasting impression of the importance and impact of your study on the field.

Dissertation Conclusion Example

In conclusion, this dissertation has examined the impact of social media on interpersonal communication among young adults. Through an extensive literature review and empirical study, several key findings have emerged which contribute to our understanding of this topic.

Firstly, it was found that social media usage is significantly associated with decreased face-to-face interaction among young adults. This suggests that the rise of social media platforms has led to a shift in communication patterns, with more emphasis on online interactions rather than offline connections.

Secondly, the study identified a negative correlation between social media usage and the development of strong interpersonal skills. Participants who reported higher levels of social media use also reported lower levels of empathy and emotional intelligence, indicating potential detriments to the quality of relationships formed through online platforms.

Despite these findings, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study. The sample size was relatively small, and the research focused primarily on one specific demographic group. Future research should aim to replicate these findings with larger and more diverse samples.

Moving forward, it is crucial to recognize the practical implications of these findings. Educators, parents, and policymakers should prioritize promoting healthy and balanced use of social media, while also emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interaction for the development of strong interpersonal skills.

In closing, this dissertation sheds light on the complex relationship between social media and interpersonal communication. Though social media offers many benefits, it also poses challenges to the quality and depth of our offline connections. It is essential for future research to further explore this topic and develop strategies to mitigate the potential negative effects of excessive social media use on interpersonal relationships.

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