When writing a research paper, conclusion is the final but equally important section as the rest of your paper. The conclusion wraps up your paper by readdressing your thesis statement and purpose. While it may seem like a creative opportunity to reflect, the conclusion in an APA style paper must be straightforward, concise, and adhere to strict stylistic guidelines.
Here are the key elements to include when structuring your conclusion and steps to follow APA format:
Restate Your Thesis
The primary purpose of your conclusion is to bring the reader full circle by readdressing your central question or hypothesis from the introduction. Do not simply rewrite your introduction, but rephrase your thesis statement concisely using different wording. For example, if your thesis was “This study aims to analyze the effects of early childhood education on academic performance,” you may restate as “The present research suggests early childhood education programs can positively impact students’ academic achievement.”
Summarize Your Main Points
Provide a high-level recap of 2-3 key findings or arguments you established through your research and analysis. Do not introduce any new information, but instead refer back to the important discussion points and evidence covered in your paper. For example, if you studied the relationship between sleep and mood, you may summarize that increased sleep was shown to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety based on survey results.
Draw Conclusions
Explain how your findings allow you to either accept or reject your original hypothesis. If applicable, state the implications or importance of your results. For example, you may conclude that based on the positive effects found, early childhood education should be further supported and expanded. Or if no relationship was established between variables, you can conclude more research is still needed. Do not introduce entirely new analyses or theories at this stage.
Acknowledge Limitations
No research is perfect, so address any limitations or potential flaws in your methodology, sources, or small sample size in an objective manner. Do not dwell on limitations and maintain a positive tone regarding the meaningfulness of your findings overall. For example, acknowledge data was only collected from one region rather than nationally.
Suggest Future Research
Briefly propose 1-2 tangible ideas or questions for further exploration on the topic based on gaps or questions that emerged from your study. This helps place your work in the context of an ongoing conversation and gives the conclusion a forward-looking perspective. For example, recommend exploring differences based on gender or socioeconomic status.
Conclude Positively
End by restating the importance or implications of your topic one final time. Use language that leaves the reader with a thoughtful takeaway without introducing anything new. For example, emphasize how this adds to our understanding of human behavior and development. Thank the reader for their time and interest in a polite, professional manner.
When following the APA style, keep your conclusion factual, concise and avoid phrases like “in summary,” “in conclusion,” or “to conclude.” Check that your conclusion aligns with your introduction and leads logically from the body of your paper. Edit thoroughly for proper sentence structure, word choice, citations if needed, and consistent verb tenses. Your conclusion should wrap up your research in a clear, impactful way that leaves the reader with a strong final impression.
With practice and by adhering to APA guidelines, writing a solid conclusion becomes easier. Taking the time to tie together your main arguments, acknowledge limitations, and provide future direction demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the topic. A powerful conclusion leaves lasting insight and encourages further thought or study from readers. By recapping purposefully yet concisely, researchers can feel confident concluding their paper on a high note according to APA format.