conclusion of report writing in research methodology

How to write a strong conclusion for your research paper

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17 February 2024

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Writing a research paper is a chance to share your knowledge and hypothesis. It's an opportunity to demonstrate your many hours of research and prove your ability to write convincingly.

Ideally, by the end of your research paper, you'll have brought your readers on a journey to reach the conclusions you've pre-determined. However, if you don't stick the landing with a good conclusion, you'll risk losing your reader’s trust.

Writing a strong conclusion for your research paper involves a few important steps, including restating the thesis and summing up everything properly.

Find out what to include and what to avoid, so you can effectively demonstrate your understanding of the topic and prove your expertise.

• Why is a good conclusion important?

A good conclusion can cement your paper in the reader’s mind. Making a strong impression in your introduction can draw your readers in, but it's the conclusion that will inspire them.

• What to include in a research paper conclusion

There are a few specifics you should include in your research paper conclusion. Offer your readers some sense of urgency or consequence by pointing out why they should care about the topic you have covered. Discuss any common problems associated with your topic and provide suggestions as to how these problems can be solved or addressed.

The conclusion should include a restatement of your initial thesis. Thesis statements are strengthened after you’ve presented supporting evidence (as you will have done in the paper), so make a point to reintroduce it at the end.

Finally, recap the main points of your research paper, highlighting the key takeaways you want readers to remember. If you've made multiple points throughout the paper, refer to the ones with the strongest supporting evidence.

• Steps for writing a research paper conclusion

Many writers find the conclusion the most challenging part of any research project . By following these three steps, you'll be prepared to write a conclusion that is effective and concise.

• Step 1: Restate the problem

Always begin by restating the research problem in the conclusion of a research paper. This serves to remind the reader of your hypothesis and refresh them on the main point of the paper. 

When restating the problem, take care to avoid using exactly the same words you employed earlier in the paper.

• Step 2: Sum up the paper

After you've restated the problem, sum up the paper by revealing your overall findings. The method for this differs slightly, depending on whether you're crafting an argumentative paper or an empirical paper.

Argumentative paper: Restate your thesis and arguments

Argumentative papers involve introducing a thesis statement early on. In crafting the conclusion for an argumentative paper, always restate the thesis, outlining the way you've developed it throughout the entire paper.

It might be appropriate to mention any counterarguments in the conclusion, so you can demonstrate how your thesis is correct or how the data best supports your main points.

Empirical paper: Summarize research findings

Empirical papers break down a series of research questions. In your conclusion, discuss the findings your research revealed, including any information that surprised you.

Be clear about the conclusions you reached, and explain whether or not you expected to arrive at these particular ones.

• Step 3: Discuss the implications of your research

Argumentative papers and empirical papers also differ in this part of a research paper conclusion. Here are some tips on crafting conclusions for argumentative and empirical papers.

Argumentative paper: Powerful closing statement

In an argumentative paper, you'll have spent a great deal of time expressing the opinions you formed after doing a significant amount of research. Make a strong closing statement in your argumentative paper's conclusion to share the significance of your work.

You can outline the next steps through a bold call to action, or restate how powerful your ideas turned out to be.

Empirical paper: Directions for future research

Empirical papers are broader in scope. They usually cover a variety of aspects and can include several points of view.

To write a good conclusion for an empirical paper, suggest the type of research that could be done in the future, including methods for further investigation or outlining ways other researchers might proceed.

If you feel your research had any limitations, even if they were outside your control, you could mention these in your conclusion.

After you finish outlining your conclusion, ask someone to read it and offer feedback. In any research project you're especially close to, it can be hard to identify problem areas. Having a close friend or someone whose opinion you value read the research paper and provide honest feedback can be invaluable. Take note of any suggested edits and consider incorporating them into your paper if they make sense.

• Things to avoid in a research paper conclusion

Keep these aspects to avoid in mind as you're writing your conclusion and refer to them after you've created an outline.

Dry summary

Writing a memorable, succinct conclusion is arguably more important than a strong introduction. Take care to avoid just rephrasing your main points, and don't fall into the trap of repeating dry facts or citations.

You can provide a new perspective for your readers to think about or contextualize your research. Either way, make the conclusion vibrant and interesting, rather than a rote recitation of your research paper’s highlights.

Clichéd or generic phrasing

Your research paper conclusion should feel fresh and inspiring. Avoid generic phrases like "to sum up" or "in conclusion." These phrases tend to be overused, especially in an academic context and might turn your readers off.

The conclusion also isn't the time to introduce colloquial phrases or informal language. Retain a professional, confident tone consistent throughout your paper’s conclusion so it feels exciting and bold.

New data or evidence

While you should present strong data throughout your paper, the conclusion isn't the place to introduce new evidence. This is because readers are engaged in actively learning as they read through the body of your paper.

By the time they reach the conclusion, they will have formed an opinion one way or the other (hopefully in your favor!). Introducing new evidence in the conclusion will only serve to surprise or frustrate your reader.

Ignoring contradictory evidence

If your research reveals contradictory evidence, don't ignore it in the conclusion. This will damage your credibility as an expert and might even serve to highlight the contradictions.

Be as transparent as possible and admit to any shortcomings in your research, but don't dwell on them for too long.

Ambiguous or unclear resolutions

The point of a research paper conclusion is to provide closure and bring all your ideas together. You should wrap up any arguments you introduced in the paper and tie up any loose ends, while demonstrating why your research and data are strong.

Use direct language in your conclusion and avoid ambiguity. Even if some of the data and sources you cite are inconclusive or contradictory, note this in your conclusion to come across as confident and trustworthy.

• Examples of research paper conclusions

Your research paper should provide a compelling close to the paper as a whole, highlighting your research and hard work. While the conclusion should represent your unique style, these examples offer a starting point:

Ultimately, the data we examined all point to the same conclusion: Encouraging a good work-life balance improves employee productivity and benefits the company overall. The research suggests that when employees feel their personal lives are valued and respected by their employers, they are more likely to be productive when at work. In addition, company turnover tends to be reduced when employees have a balance between their personal and professional lives. While additional research is required to establish ways companies can support employees in creating a stronger work-life balance, it's clear the need is there.

Social media is a primary method of communication among young people. As we've seen in the data presented, most young people in high school use a variety of social media applications at least every hour, including Instagram and Facebook. While social media is an avenue for connection with peers, research increasingly suggests that social media use correlates with body image issues. Young girls with lower self-esteem tend to use social media more often than those who don't log onto social media apps every day. As new applications continue to gain popularity, and as more high school students are given smartphones, more research will be required to measure the effects of prolonged social media use.

What are the different kinds of research paper conclusions?

There are no formal types of research paper conclusions. Ultimately, the conclusion depends on the outline of your paper and the type of research you’re presenting. While some experts note that research papers can end with a new perspective or commentary, most papers should conclude with a combination of both. The most important aspect of a good research paper conclusion is that it accurately represents the body of the paper.

Can I present new arguments in my research paper conclusion?

Research paper conclusions are not the place to introduce new data or arguments. The body of your paper is where you should share research and insights, where the reader is actively absorbing the content. By the time a reader reaches the conclusion of the research paper, they should have formed their opinion. Introducing new arguments in the conclusion can take a reader by surprise, and not in a positive way. It might also serve to frustrate readers.

How long should a research paper conclusion be?

There's no set length for a research paper conclusion. However, it's a good idea not to run on too long, since conclusions are supposed to be succinct. A good rule of thumb is to keep your conclusion around 5 to 10 percent of the paper's total length. If your paper is 10 pages, try to keep your conclusion under one page.

What should I include in a research paper conclusion?

A good research paper conclusion should always include a sense of urgency, so the reader can see how and why the topic should matter to them. You can also note some recommended actions to help fix the problem and some obstacles they might encounter. A conclusion should also remind the reader of the thesis statement, along with the main points you covered in the paper. At the end of the conclusion, add a powerful closing statement that helps cement the paper in the mind of the reader.

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Home » Research Report – Example, Writing Guide and Types

Research Report – Example, Writing Guide and Types

Table of Contents

A research report is a comprehensive document that presents the findings, analysis, and conclusions of a research study. It communicates the purpose, methods, results, and implications of research in a structured format, ensuring clarity and accessibility for the intended audience. Research reports are widely used in academia, business, government, and industry to document findings and provide actionable insights.

This article explores the types of research reports, a step-by-step writing guide, and practical examples to help researchers craft effective reports.

Research Report

A research report is a formal document that summarizes the key aspects of a research project. It allows the researcher to share their findings with others, contribute to the knowledge base, and provide recommendations based on evidence.

Key Features:

• Structured Format: Organized into clearly defined sections.
• Objective Presentation: Focuses on facts and data rather than personal opinions.
• Audience-Specific: Tailored to meet the needs of academic, corporate, or public readers.

Example Use Cases:

• Presenting the results of a scientific experiment in an academic setting.
• Analyzing market trends in a business report.
• Documenting the findings of a public policy evaluation.

Importance of Research Reports

• Documentation: Serves as a permanent record of the research process and findings.
• Communication: Conveys insights and evidence to stakeholders or decision-makers.
• Knowledge Sharing: Advances understanding by contributing to the academic or professional body of knowledge.
• Decision Support: Provides data-driven recommendations for action or policy changes.
• Transparency: Ensures accountability by detailing methods and results.

Types of Research Reports

1. academic research report.

• Purpose: To present original research findings in an academic context.
• Audience: Professors, researchers, and students.
• Example: A thesis or dissertation.

2. Business Research Report

• Purpose: To analyze market trends, customer preferences, or business performance.
• Audience: Executives, managers, and stakeholders.
• Example: A market analysis report on consumer behavior.

3. Technical Research Report

• Purpose: To document technical findings, methodologies, and recommendations.
• Audience: Engineers, IT professionals, and technical staff.
• Example: A software performance evaluation report.

4. Government Research Report

• Purpose: To evaluate public programs, policies, or societal issues.
• Audience: Policymakers, government officials, and the public.
• Example: A report on the effects of a new education policy.

5. Scientific Research Report

• Purpose: To communicate experimental results or scientific investigations.
• Audience: Scientists, medical professionals, and academic journals.
• Example: A report on the efficacy of a new drug.

Structure of a Research Report

• Title of the report.
• Author’s name(s).
• Date of submission.
• Institutional or organizational affiliation.
• A brief summary of the study, including objectives, methods, key findings, and conclusions.
• Lists headings and subheadings with corresponding page numbers.
• Background of the research topic.
• Problem statement or research question.
• Objectives and significance of the study.
• Overview of existing studies and theories related to the research.
• Identification of gaps in knowledge.
• Research design (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods).
• Data collection methods (e.g., surveys, experiments, interviews).
• Sampling techniques and data analysis procedures.
• Presentation of findings using tables, graphs, or charts.
• Descriptive and statistical summaries.
• Interpretation of results in relation to research objectives and hypotheses.
• Comparison with previous studies.
• Implications of the findings.
• Recap of the study’s main findings.
• Limitations of the research.
• Recommendations for future research or applications.
• A list of all sources cited in the report, formatted according to the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).
• Supplementary materials such as raw data, questionnaires, or detailed calculations.

Writing Guide for a Research Report

Step 1: understand the purpose.

• Identify the goals of your research and the target audience for the report.
• Define whether the report is academic, business-oriented, or technical.

Step 2: Plan the Structure

• Use the standard format (e.g., title page, abstract, introduction, etc.).
• Create an outline with key headings and subheadings.

Step 3: Collect and Analyze Data

• Gather reliable and relevant data using appropriate methods.
• Analyze the data systematically to address the research objectives.

Step 4: Write Each Section

• Introduction: Provide context and state the purpose clearly.
• Methodology: Describe how the research was conducted in detail.
• Results: Present findings without interpretation.
• Discussion: Interpret results and explain their significance.
• Conclusion: Summarize the key takeaways and suggest next steps.

Step 5: Revise and Edit

• Check for logical flow, clarity, and consistency.
• Ensure the language is precise and professional.
• Verify the accuracy of citations and data.

Step 6: Format the Report

• Follow the required style guide (e.g., APA, Chicago, or MLA).
• Include visuals (charts, tables) to enhance understanding.

Step 7: Proofread

• Review for grammatical errors, typos, and formatting issues.
• Seek feedback from peers or advisors.

Example of a Research Report

Title: Impact of Social Media on Student Academic Performance

Abstract: This study examines the relationship between social media usage and academic performance among college students. Using a survey of 300 participants, the findings indicate a negative correlation between excessive social media use and GPA. Recommendations include time management workshops and awareness campaigns.

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• Literature Review
• Methodology

Introduction:

• Background: The rise of social media has revolutionized communication but also raised concerns about its impact on productivity and education.
• Objective: To analyze how social media usage influences the academic performance of students.

Methodology:

• Design: Quantitative study using a cross-sectional survey.
• Data Collection: A structured questionnaire distributed online.
• Sample Size: 300 undergraduate students.
• 70% of participants reported spending more than 3 hours daily on social media.
• A negative correlation (r=−0.45) was found between social media usage and GPA.

Discussion:

• Findings align with previous studies highlighting time mismanagement as a key factor.
• Implications suggest the need for awareness programs about balancing academic and social activities.

Conclusion: Social media significantly impacts student performance, warranting interventions like time management training.

References: Formatted in APA style.

Tips for Writing an Effective Research Report

• Be Clear and Concise: Avoid unnecessary jargon and ensure the report is accessible to its intended audience.
• Use Visual Aids: Enhance data presentation with graphs, tables, and charts.
• Provide Evidence: Support claims with data and citations.
• Stay Objective: Present findings and interpretations without personal bias.
• Tailor to the Audience: Adapt the tone, language, and depth of information based on the reader’s needs.

A research report is a vital tool for documenting and sharing findings in a structured, credible, and actionable manner. By following a clear structure, employing appropriate methods, and addressing the needs of the intended audience, researchers can effectively communicate their work. Whether in academia, business, or government, a well-written research report contributes to advancing knowledge and fostering informed decision-making.

• Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
• Kumar, R. (2019). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners . Sage Publications.
• Zikmund, W. G., Babin, B. J., Carr, J. C., & Griffin, M. (2016). Business Research Methods . Cengage Learning.
• Babbie, E. R. (2020). The Practice of Social Research . Cengage Learning.
• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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