Dissertation Conclusion Chapter: 6 Simple Steps + Examples (Dissertation & Thesis Conclusion)

Summary

In this video, Emma from Grad Coach TV provides a step-by-step guide to writing the conclusion chapter of a dissertation, thesis, or academic research project. She explains the essential purpose and structure of the conclusion, highlighting the need to summarize key findings, answer research questions, discuss contributions, reflect on limitations, and propose recommendations for future research. Emma also offers practical tips on writing concisely and clearly, and stresses the importance of ensuring the conclusion chapter aligns with the overall research objectives. The video serves as a valuable resource for crafting a well-rounded and impactful conclusion chapter.

Takeaways

• 😀 The conclusion chapter is the final major chapter of a dissertation or thesis and serves as a summary of your research findings.
• 😀 Unlike the discussion chapter, the conclusion chapter should provide a high-level overview of the research outcomes, not a detailed analysis.
• 😀 The conclusion chapter should achieve five key goals: summarize the findings, answer research questions, highlight contributions, reflect on limitations, and make recommendations for future research.
• 😀 Avoid introducing new findings or data in the conclusion; it should be based solely on previously presented results and analysis.
• 😀 The conclusion chapter should create a strong connection with the introduction chapter to help the reader understand the research’s purpose and findings.
• 😀 Start your conclusion with a brief introduction that outlines what the chapter will cover, like summarizing findings, contributions, limitations, and recommendations.
• 😀 When discussing overall findings, focus on how they address the research aims, not just the research questions, and avoid making overly bold claims.
• 😀 Highlight the contributions of your study in terms of theory and practice, explaining its value, real-world applications, and how it fills gaps in existing research.
• 😀 Acknowledge your study's limitations to enhance credibility, but balance this by emphasizing the strengths and potential improvements for future studies.
• 😀 Make recommendations for future research based on your study's limitations or any interesting findings that were not fully explored during your study.
• 😀 End the conclusion with a brief, concise summary that recaps the key points without introducing new information. Keep it clear and to the point.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the conclusion chapter in a dissertation or thesis?

The conclusion chapter serves as a summary of the key research findings, wrapping up the dissertation or thesis. It highlights the main outcomes, their significance, how they address the research aims, and suggests areas for future research.

How does the conclusion chapter differ from the discussion chapter?

The conclusion chapter is more general and high-level, summarizing the main findings and their relevance, while the discussion chapter delves into the intricate details of the study, interpreting findings in relation to research questions and existing literature.

What should you avoid doing when writing the conclusion chapter?

You should avoid simply copying and pasting content from the discussion chapter. The conclusion must offer a distinct summary, focusing on the key takeaways, without introducing any new findings or data points that were not discussed earlier.

What are the five key things a conclusion chapter should achieve?

1) Summarize the key findings, 2) Answer the research questions and address research aims, 3) Inform the reader of the study's contributions, 4) Discuss the study’s limitations, 5) Make recommendations for future research.

Why is it important to discuss the limitations of your study in the conclusion chapter?

Discussing limitations adds credibility to your research by showing that you are aware of the study’s weaknesses and that these limitations were justified. It also provides insight into how future research can improve on your work.

What are some common limitations researchers might mention in the conclusion chapter?

Common limitations include sampling issues (e.g., non-probability sampling), data access limitations, researcher bias, time and budget constraints, and limitations related to data collection methods or analysis techniques.

How should you frame the discussion of your study's contributions in the conclusion?

While being humble, you should confidently highlight your study's contributions, explaining how it addresses gaps in the literature, its impact on the field, and how the findings can be applied in theory or practice.

What is the purpose of making recommendations for future research in the conclusion?

Recommendations for future research guide others in the field by suggesting ways to build on your work, exploring unresolved questions, or addressing limitations that your study could not fully overcome.

What is the role of the closing summary in the conclusion chapter?

The closing summary briefly recaps the key points discussed in the conclusion chapter, providing the reader with a quick overview without introducing new information. It serves as a final reminder of the study's outcomes.

What are some tips for writing an effective conclusion chapter?

1) Be concise and avoid rambling, 2) Be careful with claims about your study’s contribution—stay humble but firm, 3) Use simple, clear language, 4) Ask someone else to read and explain your introduction and conclusion to check for clarity.