The conclusion is the last chapter in your thesis and it synthesizes the key aspects of your research.

​

Purpose

​

The purpose of the conclusion is not simply to close off the research study, but also to open up new avenues for further research.  You could see the research project as a funnel, starting with a broad contextualization in the introduction and literature review, narrowing down with a description of your research interest and a discussion of data, and broadening outward with a discussion of implications for the existing body of knowledge on the topic.

 

Drafting

​

The conclusion could cover some of the following:

​

• Summary of key ideas, themes and findings

• Return to the key argument / hypothesis

• Discussion of how the research questions were addressed

• Contribution to a body of knowledge

• Presentation of recommendations for further research