Dissertation Conclusion Chapter: crafting the perfect ending
We received an email asking, Do you have any tips for the Conclusion chapter of my dissertation? So here they are. The conclusion chapter of your dissertation serves as the culmination of your research journey, summarizing key findings, discussing implications, and reflecting on the broader significance of your study. In this blog post, we’ll explore what to include in your conclusion chapter to ensure it is comprehensive, insightful, and impactful.
1. Restate Research Objectives and Findings:
Begin your conclusion by restating the research objectives or questions addressed in your study. Summarise the key findings and outcomes of your research, highlighting the main contributions and discoveries made through your investigation.
2. Discuss Implications and Significance:
- Practical Implications: Discuss the practical implications of your findings for real-world applications, policies, practices, or interventions. Consider how your research contributes to addressing practical challenges or advancing knowledge in your field.
- Theoretical Significance: Reflect on the theoretical significance of your study by discussing its contributions to theoretical frameworks, models, concepts, or debates within your discipline. Highlight any theoretical insights or paradigm shifts resulting from your research.
3. Address Limitations and Future Directions:
- Limitations: Acknowledge and discuss the limitations of your study, such as methodological constraints, sample size issues, data limitations, or potential biases. Consider how these limitations may have impacted the interpretation or generalizability of your findings.
- Future Research Directions: Propose potential avenues for future research based on gaps identified in your study or unresolved questions. Suggest research questions, methodologies, or areas of inquiry that could build upon your findings and expand knowledge in your field.
4. Reflect on Research Process and Challenges:
- Research Process Reflection: Reflect on your research process, methodologies, and decisions made throughout the study. Discuss any challenges, obstacles, or unexpected findings encountered and how they were addressed.
- Methodological Reflection: Provide a brief reflection on the strengths and limitations of your chosen research methods, data collection techniques, and analytical approaches. Consider how alternative methods or approaches could have influenced the outcomes.
5. Summarise Key Contributions and Innovations:
- Key Contributions: Summarize the key contributions of your research to the academic community, highlighting original insights, new knowledge, methodological advancements, or innovative approaches.
- Innovations: Discuss any innovations, tools, techniques, or methodologies developed or utilized during your research that have contributed to advancing the field or addressing research gaps.
6. Reiterate Main Arguments and Conclusions:
Reiterate the main arguments, conclusions, or hypotheses established in your dissertation. Emphasize the significance of your conclusions in addressing the research objectives and addressing the research questions posed at the outset of your study.
7. Conclude with a Strong Closing Statement:
Conclude your conclusion chapter with a strong and memorable closing statement that reinforces the importance of your research, its implications for the field, and its potential impact on practice, policy, or future research endeavours.
Crafting Your Conclusion:
- Be Concise: Keep your conclusion concise and focused, summarizing key points without introducing new information or detailed discussions.
- Be Reflective: Reflect on your research journey, challenges overcome, and lessons learned throughout the dissertation process.
- Be Forward-Looking: Look to the future by discussing potential avenues for further research, practical applications, or areas for advancement based on your findings.
Conclusion on the Conclusion:
The conclusion chapter of your dissertation is your opportunity to leave a lasting impression, showcasing the significance and impact of your research. By including key elements such as restating objectives, discussing implications, addressing limitations, proposing future directions, and reflecting on contributions, you can create a comprehensive and insightful conclusion that leaves a lasting impact on your readers and contributes meaningfully to your field of study.
Recommended reading
Swetnam, D., & Swetnam R. (2000) Writing your Dissertation (Click to view on Amazon #Ad).
This book gives you the confidence, tools and techniques to produce a first-class dissertation. It offers practical guidelines to planning realistic timetables and structuring every aspect of your work. Find out how to avoid common mistakes and the best way to present your work, and even how to assess your dissertation in the same way as a university or college tutor does.
