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How to Write a Conclusion for Research Papers (with Examples)

The conclusion of a research paper is a crucial section that plays a significant role in the overall impact and effectiveness of your research paper. However, this is also the section that typically receives less attention compared to the introduction and the body of the paper. The conclusion serves to provide a concise summary of the key findings, their significance, their implications, and a sense of closure to the study. Discussing how can the findings be applied in real-world scenarios or inform policy, practice, or decision-making is especially valuable to practitioners and policymakers. The research paper conclusion also provides researchers with clear insights and valuable information for their own work, which they can then build on and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

The research paper conclusion should explain the significance of your findings within the broader context of your field. It restates how your results contribute to the existing body of knowledge and whether they confirm or challenge existing theories or hypotheses. Also, by identifying unanswered questions or areas requiring further investigation, your awareness of the broader research landscape can be demonstrated.

Remember to tailor the research paper conclusion to the specific needs and interests of your intended audience, which may include researchers, practitioners, policymakers, or a combination of these.

Table of Contents

What is a conclusion in a research paper, summarizing conclusion, editorial conclusion, externalizing conclusion, importance of a good research paper conclusion, how to write a conclusion for your research paper, research paper conclusion examples.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A conclusion in a research paper is the final section where you summarize and wrap up your research, presenting the key findings and insights derived from your study. The research paper conclusion is not the place to introduce new information or data that was not discussed in the main body of the paper. When working on how to conclude a research paper, remember to stick to summarizing and interpreting existing content. The research paper conclusion serves the following purposes: 1

• Warn readers of the possible consequences of not attending to the problem.
• Recommend specific course(s) of action.
• Restate key ideas to drive home the ultimate point of your research paper.
• Provide a “take-home” message that you want the readers to remember about your study.

Types of conclusions for research papers

In research papers, the conclusion provides closure to the reader. The type of research paper conclusion you choose depends on the nature of your study, your goals, and your target audience. I provide you with three common types of conclusions:

A summarizing conclusion is the most common type of conclusion in research papers. It involves summarizing the main points, reiterating the research question, and restating the significance of the findings. This common type of research paper conclusion is used across different disciplines.

An editorial conclusion is less common but can be used in research papers that are focused on proposing or advocating for a particular viewpoint or policy. It involves presenting a strong editorial or opinion based on the research findings and offering recommendations or calls to action.

An externalizing conclusion is a type of conclusion that extends the research beyond the scope of the paper by suggesting potential future research directions or discussing the broader implications of the findings. This type of conclusion is often used in more theoretical or exploratory research papers.

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The conclusion in a research paper serves several important purposes:

• Offers Implications and Recommendations : Your research paper conclusion is an excellent place to discuss the broader implications of your research and suggest potential areas for further study. It’s also an opportunity to offer practical recommendations based on your findings.
• Provides Closure : A good research paper conclusion provides a sense of closure to your paper. It should leave the reader with a feeling that they have reached the end of a well-structured and thought-provoking research project.
• Leaves a Lasting Impression : Writing a well-crafted research paper conclusion leaves a lasting impression on your readers. It’s your final opportunity to leave them with a new idea, a call to action, or a memorable quote.

Writing a strong conclusion for your research paper is essential to leave a lasting impression on your readers. Here’s a step-by-step process to help you create and know what to put in the conclusion of a research paper: 2

• Research Statement : Begin your research paper conclusion by restating your research statement. This reminds the reader of the main point you’ve been trying to prove throughout your paper. Keep it concise and clear.
• Key Points : Summarize the main arguments and key points you’ve made in your paper. Avoid introducing new information in the research paper conclusion. Instead, provide a concise overview of what you’ve discussed in the body of your paper.
• Address the Research Questions : If your research paper is based on specific research questions or hypotheses, briefly address whether you’ve answered them or achieved your research goals. Discuss the significance of your findings in this context.
• Significance : Highlight the importance of your research and its relevance in the broader context. Explain why your findings matter and how they contribute to the existing knowledge in your field.
• Implications : Explore the practical or theoretical implications of your research. How might your findings impact future research, policy, or real-world applications? Consider the “so what?” question.
• Future Research : Offer suggestions for future research in your area. What questions or aspects remain unanswered or warrant further investigation? This shows that your work opens the door for future exploration.
• Closing Thought : Conclude your research paper conclusion with a thought-provoking or memorable statement. This can leave a lasting impression on your readers and wrap up your paper effectively. Avoid introducing new information or arguments here.
• Proofread and Revise : Carefully proofread your conclusion for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Ensure that your ideas flow smoothly and that your conclusion is coherent and well-structured.

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Remember that a well-crafted research paper conclusion is a reflection of the strength of your research and your ability to communicate its significance effectively. It should leave a lasting impression on your readers and tie together all the threads of your paper. Now you know how to start the conclusion of a research paper and what elements to include to make it impactful, let’s look at a research paper conclusion sample.

How to write a research paper conclusion with Paperpal?

A research paper conclusion is not just a summary of your study, but a synthesis of the key findings that ties the research together and places it in a broader context. A research paper conclusion should be concise, typically around one paragraph in length. However, some complex topics may require a longer conclusion to ensure the reader is left with a clear understanding of the study’s significance. Paperpal, an AI writing assistant trusted by over 800,000 academics globally, can help you write a well-structured conclusion for your research paper. 

• Sign Up or Log In: Create a new Paperpal account or login with your details.  
• Navigate to Features : Once logged in, head over to the features’ side navigation pane. Click on Templates and you’ll find a suite of generative AI features to help you write better, faster.  
• Generate an outline: Under Templates, select ‘Outlines’. Choose ‘Research article’ as your document type.  
• Select your section: Since you’re focusing on the conclusion, select this section when prompted.  
• Choose your field of study: Identifying your field of study allows Paperpal to provide more targeted suggestions, ensuring the relevance of your conclusion to your specific area of research. 
• Provide a brief description of your study: Enter details about your research topic and findings. This information helps Paperpal generate a tailored outline that aligns with your paper’s content. 
• Generate the conclusion outline: After entering all necessary details, click on ‘generate’. Paperpal will then create a structured outline for your conclusion, to help you start writing and build upon the outline.  
• Write your conclusion: Use the generated outline to build your conclusion. The outline serves as a guide, ensuring you cover all critical aspects of a strong conclusion, from summarizing key findings to highlighting the research’s implications. 
• Refine and enhance: Paperpal’s ‘Make Academic’ feature can be particularly useful in the final stages. Select any paragraph of your conclusion and use this feature to elevate the academic tone, ensuring your writing is aligned to the academic journal standards. 

By following these steps, Paperpal not only simplifies the process of writing a research paper conclusion but also ensures it is impactful, concise, and aligned with academic standards. Sign up with Paperpal today and write your research paper conclusion 2x faster .  

The research paper conclusion is a crucial part of your paper as it provides the final opportunity to leave a strong impression on your readers. In the research paper conclusion, summarize the main points of your research paper by restating your research statement, highlighting the most important findings, addressing the research questions or objectives, explaining the broader context of the study, discussing the significance of your findings, providing recommendations if applicable, and emphasizing the takeaway message. The main purpose of the conclusion is to remind the reader of the main point or argument of your paper and to provide a clear and concise summary of the key findings and their implications. All these elements should feature on your list of what to put in the conclusion of a research paper to create a strong final statement for your work.

A strong conclusion is a critical component of a research paper, as it provides an opportunity to wrap up your arguments, reiterate your main points, and leave a lasting impression on your readers. Here are the key elements of a strong research paper conclusion: 1. Conciseness : A research paper conclusion should be concise and to the point. It should not introduce new information or ideas that were not discussed in the body of the paper. 2. Summarization : The research paper conclusion should be comprehensive enough to give the reader a clear understanding of the research’s main contributions. 3 . Relevance : Ensure that the information included in the research paper conclusion is directly relevant to the research paper’s main topic and objectives; avoid unnecessary details. 4 . Connection to the Introduction : A well-structured research paper conclusion often revisits the key points made in the introduction and shows how the research has addressed the initial questions or objectives. 5. Emphasis : Highlight the significance and implications of your research. Why is your study important? What are the broader implications or applications of your findings? 6 . Call to Action : Include a call to action or a recommendation for future research or action based on your findings.

The length of a research paper conclusion can vary depending on several factors, including the overall length of the paper, the complexity of the research, and the specific journal requirements. While there is no strict rule for the length of a conclusion, but it’s generally advisable to keep it relatively short. A typical research paper conclusion might be around 5-10% of the paper’s total length. For example, if your paper is 10 pages long, the conclusion might be roughly half a page to one page in length.

In general, you do not need to include citations in the research paper conclusion. Citations are typically reserved for the body of the paper to support your arguments and provide evidence for your claims. However, there may be some exceptions to this rule: 1. If you are drawing a direct quote or paraphrasing a specific source in your research paper conclusion, you should include a citation to give proper credit to the original author. 2. If your conclusion refers to or discusses specific research, data, or sources that are crucial to the overall argument, citations can be included to reinforce your conclusion’s validity.

The conclusion of a research paper serves several important purposes: 1. Summarize the Key Points 2. Reinforce the Main Argument 3. Provide Closure 4. Offer Insights or Implications 5. Engage the Reader. 6. Reflect on Limitations

Remember that the primary purpose of the research paper conclusion is to leave a lasting impression on the reader, reinforcing the key points and providing closure to your research. It’s often the last part of the paper that the reader will see, so it should be strong and well-crafted.

• Makar, G., Foltz, C., Lendner, M., & Vaccaro, A. R. (2018). How to write effective discussion and conclusion sections. Clinical spine surgery, 31(8), 345-346.
• Bunton, D. (2005). The structure of PhD conclusion chapters.  Journal of English for academic purposes ,  4 (3), 207-224.

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Research Paper Conclusion – Writing Guide and Examples

Table of Contents

Research Paper Conclusion

Definition:

A research paper conclusion is the final section of a research paper that summarizes the key findings, significance, and implications of the research. It is the writer’s opportunity to synthesize the information presented in the paper, draw conclusions, and make recommendations for future research or actions.

The conclusion should provide a clear and concise summary of the research paper, reiterating the research question or problem, the main results, and the significance of the findings. It should also discuss the limitations of the study and suggest areas for further research.

Parts of Research Paper Conclusion

The parts of a research paper conclusion typically include:

Restatement of the Thesis

The conclusion should begin by restating the thesis statement from the introduction in a different way. This helps to remind the reader of the main argument or purpose of the research.

Summary of Key Findings

The conclusion should summarize the main findings of the research, highlighting the most important results and conclusions. This section should be brief and to the point.

Implications and Significance

In this section, the researcher should explain the implications and significance of the research findings. This may include discussing the potential impact on the field or industry, highlighting new insights or knowledge gained, or pointing out areas for future research.

Limitations and Recommendations

It is important to acknowledge any limitations or weaknesses of the research and to make recommendations for how these could be addressed in future studies. This shows that the researcher is aware of the potential limitations of their work and is committed to improving the quality of research in their field.

Concluding Statement

The conclusion should end with a strong concluding statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. This could be a call to action, a recommendation for further research, or a final thought on the topic.

How to Write Research Paper Conclusion

Here are some steps you can follow to write an effective research paper conclusion:

• Restate the research problem or question: Begin by restating the research problem or question that you aimed to answer in your research. This will remind the reader of the purpose of your study.
• Summarize the main points: Summarize the key findings and results of your research. This can be done by highlighting the most important aspects of your research and the evidence that supports them.
• Discuss the implications: Discuss the implications of your findings for the research area and any potential applications of your research. You should also mention any limitations of your research that may affect the interpretation of your findings.
• Provide a conclusion : Provide a concise conclusion that summarizes the main points of your paper and emphasizes the significance of your research. This should be a strong and clear statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
• Offer suggestions for future research: Lastly, offer suggestions for future research that could build on your findings and contribute to further advancements in the field.

Remember that the conclusion should be brief and to the point, while still effectively summarizing the key findings and implications of your research.

Example of Research Paper Conclusion

Here’s an example of a research paper conclusion:

Conclusion :

In conclusion, our study aimed to investigate the relationship between social media use and mental health among college students. Our findings suggest that there is a significant association between social media use and increased levels of anxiety and depression among college students. This highlights the need for increased awareness and education about the potential negative effects of social media use on mental health, particularly among college students.

Despite the limitations of our study, such as the small sample size and self-reported data, our findings have important implications for future research and practice. Future studies should aim to replicate our findings in larger, more diverse samples, and investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the association between social media use and mental health. In addition, interventions should be developed to promote healthy social media use among college students, such as mindfulness-based approaches and social media detox programs.

Overall, our study contributes to the growing body of research on the impact of social media on mental health, and highlights the importance of addressing this issue in the context of higher education. By raising awareness and promoting healthy social media use among college students, we can help to reduce the negative impact of social media on mental health and improve the well-being of young adults.

Purpose of Research Paper Conclusion

The purpose of a research paper conclusion is to provide a summary and synthesis of the key findings, significance, and implications of the research presented in the paper. The conclusion serves as the final opportunity for the writer to convey their message and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

The conclusion should restate the research problem or question, summarize the main results of the research, and explain their significance. It should also acknowledge the limitations of the study and suggest areas for future research or action.

Overall, the purpose of the conclusion is to provide a sense of closure to the research paper and to emphasize the importance of the research and its potential impact. It should leave the reader with a clear understanding of the main findings and why they matter. The conclusion serves as the writer’s opportunity to showcase their contribution to the field and to inspire further research and action.

When to Write Research Paper Conclusion

The conclusion of a research paper should be written after the body of the paper has been completed. It should not be written until the writer has thoroughly analyzed and interpreted their findings and has written a complete and cohesive discussion of the research.

Before writing the conclusion, the writer should review their research paper and consider the key points that they want to convey to the reader. They should also review the research question, hypotheses, and methodology to ensure that they have addressed all of the necessary components of the research.

Once the writer has a clear understanding of the main findings and their significance, they can begin writing the conclusion. The conclusion should be written in a clear and concise manner, and should reiterate the main points of the research while also providing insights and recommendations for future research or action.

Characteristics of Research Paper Conclusion

The characteristics of a research paper conclusion include:

• Clear and concise: The conclusion should be written in a clear and concise manner, summarizing the key findings and their significance.
• Comprehensive: The conclusion should address all of the main points of the research paper, including the research question or problem, the methodology, the main results, and their implications.
• Future-oriented : The conclusion should provide insights and recommendations for future research or action, based on the findings of the research.
• Impressive : The conclusion should leave a lasting impression on the reader, emphasizing the importance of the research and its potential impact.
• Objective : The conclusion should be based on the evidence presented in the research paper, and should avoid personal biases or opinions.
• Unique : The conclusion should be unique to the research paper and should not simply repeat information from the introduction or body of the paper.

Advantages of Research Paper Conclusion

The advantages of a research paper conclusion include:

• Summarizing the key findings : The conclusion provides a summary of the main findings of the research, making it easier for the reader to understand the key points of the study.
• Emphasizing the significance of the research: The conclusion emphasizes the importance of the research and its potential impact, making it more likely that readers will take the research seriously and consider its implications.
• Providing recommendations for future research or action : The conclusion suggests practical recommendations for future research or action, based on the findings of the study.
• Providing closure to the research paper : The conclusion provides a sense of closure to the research paper, tying together the different sections of the paper and leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
• Demonstrating the writer’s contribution to the field : The conclusion provides the writer with an opportunity to showcase their contribution to the field and to inspire further research and action.

Limitations of Research Paper Conclusion

While the conclusion of a research paper has many advantages, it also has some limitations that should be considered, including:

• I nability to address all aspects of the research: Due to the limited space available in the conclusion, it may not be possible to address all aspects of the research in detail.
• Subjectivity : While the conclusion should be objective, it may be influenced by the writer’s personal biases or opinions.
• Lack of new information: The conclusion should not introduce new information that has not been discussed in the body of the research paper.
• Lack of generalizability: The conclusions drawn from the research may not be applicable to other contexts or populations, limiting the generalizability of the study.
• Misinterpretation by the reader: The reader may misinterpret the conclusions drawn from the research, leading to a misunderstanding of the findings.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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How to write a strong conclusion for your research paper

Last updated

17 February 2024

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Short on time? Get an AI generated summary of this article instead

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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• Insiderness
• Using Non-Textual Elements
• Limitations of the Study
• Common Grammar Mistakes
• Writing Concisely
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Footnotes or Endnotes?
• Further Readings
• Generative AI and Writing
• USC Libraries Tutorials and Other Guides
• Bibliography

The conclusion is intended to help the reader understand why your research should matter to them after they have finished reading the paper. A conclusion is not merely a summary of the main topics covered or a re-statement of your research problem, but a synthesis of key points derived from the findings of your study and, if applicable based on your analysis, explain new areas for future research. For most college-level research papers, two or three well-developed paragraphs is sufficient for a conclusion, although in some cases, more paragraphs may be required in describing the key findings and highlighting their significance.

Conclusions. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Conclusions. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University.

Importance of a Good Conclusion

A well-written conclusion provides important opportunities to demonstrate to the reader your understanding of the research problem. These include:

• Presenting the last word on the issues you raised in your paper . Just as the introduction gives a first impression to your reader, the conclusion offers a chance to leave a lasting impression. Do this, for example, by highlighting key findings in your analysis that advance new understanding about the research problem, that are unusual or unexpected, or that have important implications applied to practice.
• Summarizing your thoughts and conveying the larger significance of your study . The conclusion is an opportunity to succinctly re-emphasize  your answer to the "So What?" question by placing the study within the context of how your research advances past studies about the topic.
• Identifying how a gap in the literature has been addressed . The conclusion can be where you describe how a previously identified gap in the literature [first identified in your literature review section] has been addressed by your research and why this contribution is significant.
• Demonstrating the importance of your ideas . Don't be shy. The conclusion offers an opportunity to elaborate on the impact and significance of your findings. This is particularly important if your study approached examining the research problem from an unusual or innovative perspective.
• Introducing possible new or expanded ways of thinking about the research problem . This does not refer to introducing new information [which should be avoided], but to offer new insight and creative approaches for framing or contextualizing the research problem based on the results of your study.

Bunton, David. “The Structure of PhD Conclusion Chapters.” Journal of English for Academic Purposes 4 (July 2005): 207–224; Conclusions. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Kretchmer, Paul. Twelve Steps to Writing an Effective Conclusion. San Francisco Edit, 2003-2008; Conclusions. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Assan, Joseph. "Writing the Conclusion Chapter: The Good, the Bad and the Missing." Liverpool: Development Studies Association (2009): 1-8.

Structure and Writing Style

I.  General Rules

The general function of your paper's conclusion is to restate the main argument . It reminds the reader of your main argument(s) strengths and reiterates the most important evidence supporting those argument(s). Do this by clearly summarizing the context, background, and the necessity of examining the research problem in relation to an issue, controversy, or a gap found in the literature. However, make sure that your conclusion is not simply a repetitive summary of the findings. This reduces the impact of the argument(s) you have developed in your paper.

When writing the conclusion to your paper, follow these general rules:

• Present your conclusions in clear, concise language. Re-state the purpose of your study, then describe how your findings differ or support those of other studies and why [i.e., describe what were the unique, new, or crucial contributions your study made to the overall research about your topic].
• Do not simply reiterate your findings or the discussion of your results. Provide a synthesis of arguments presented in the paper to show how these converge to address the research problem and the overall objectives of your study.
• Indicate opportunities for future research if you haven't already done so in the discussion section of your paper. Highlighting the need for further research provides the reader with evidence that you have an in-depth awareness of the research problem but that further analysis should take place beyond the scope of your investigation.

Consider the following points to help ensure your conclusion is presented well:

• If the argument or purpose of your paper is complex, you may need to summarize the argument for your reader.
• If, prior to your conclusion, you have not yet explained the significance of your findings or if you are proceeding inductively, use the end of your paper to describe your main points and explain their significance.
• Move from a detailed to a general level of consideration that returns the topic to the context provided by the introduction or within a new context that emerges from the data [this is opposite of the introduction, which begins with general discussion of the context and ends with a detailed description of the research problem]. 

The conclusion also provides a place for you to persuasively and succinctly restate the research problem, given that the reader has now been presented with all the information about the topic . Depending on the discipline you are writing in, the concluding paragraph may contain your reflections on the evidence presented. However, the nature of being introspective about the research you have conducted will depend on the topic and whether your professor wants you to express your observations in this way. If asked to think introspectively about the topic, do not delve into idle speculation. Being introspective means looking within yourself as an author to try and understand an issue more deeply, not to guess at possible outcomes or make up scenarios not supported by the evidence.

II.  Developing a Compelling Conclusion

Although an effective conclusion needs to be clear and succinct, it does not need to be written passively or lack a compelling narrative. Strategies to help you move beyond merely summarizing the key points of your research paper may include any of the following:

• If your paper addresses a critical, contemporary problem, warn readers of the possible consequences of not attending to the problem proactively based on the evidence presented in your study.
• Recommend a specific course or courses of action that, if adopted, could address a specific problem in practice or in the development of new knowledge leading to positive change.
• Cite a relevant quotation or expert opinion already noted in your paper in order to lend authority and support to the conclusion(s) you have reached [a good source would be from a source cited in your literature review].
• Explain the consequences of your research in a way that elicits action or demonstrates urgency in seeking change.
• Restate a key statistic, fact, or visual image to emphasize the most important finding of your paper.
• If your discipline encourages personal reflection, illustrate your concluding point by drawing from your own life experiences.
• Return to an anecdote, an example, or a quotation that you presented in your introduction, but add further insight derived from the findings of your study; use your interpretation of results from your study to recast it in new or important ways.
• Provide a "take-home" message in the form of a succinct, declarative statement that you want the reader to remember about your study.

III. Problems to Avoid

Failure to be concise Your conclusion section should be concise and to the point. Conclusions that are too lengthy often have unnecessary information in them. The conclusion is not the place for details about your methodology or results. Although you should give a summary of what was learned from your research, this summary should be relatively brief, since the emphasis in the conclusion is on the implications, evaluations, insights, and other forms of analysis that you make. Strategies for writing concisely can be found here .

Failure to comment on larger, more significant issues In the introduction, your task was to move from the general [topic studied within the field of study] to the specific [the research problem]. However, in the conclusion, your task is to move the discussion from specific [your research problem] back to a general discussion framed around the implications and significance of your findings [i.e., how your research contributes new understanding or fills an important gap in the literature]. In short, the conclusion is where you should place your research within a larger context [visualize the structure of your paper as an hourglass--start with a broad introduction and review of the literature, move to the specific method of analysis and the discussion, conclude with a broad summary of the study's implications and significance].

Failure to reveal problems and negative results Negative aspects of the research process should never be ignored. These are problems, deficiencies, or challenges encountered during your study. They should be summarized as a way of qualifying your overall conclusions. If you encountered negative or unintended results [i.e., findings that are validated outside the research context in which they were generated], you must report them in the results section and discuss their implications in the discussion section of your paper. In the conclusion, use negative or surprising results as an opportunity to explain their possible significance and/or how they may form the basis for future research.

Failure to provide a clear summary of what was learned In order to discuss how your research fits within your field of study [and possibly the world at large], you need to summarize briefly and succinctly how it contributes to new knowledge or a new understanding about the research problem. This element of your conclusion may be only a few sentences long, but it often represents the key takeaway for your reader.

Failure to match the objectives of your research Often research objectives in the social and behavioral sciences change while the research is being carried out due to unforeseen factors or unanticipated variables. This is not a problem unless you forget to go back and refine the original objectives in your introduction. As these changes emerge they must be documented so that they accurately reflect what you were trying to accomplish in your research [not what you thought you might accomplish when you began].

Resist the urge to apologize If you've immersed yourself in studying the research problem, you presumably should know a good deal about it [perhaps even more than your professor!]. Nevertheless, by the time you have finished writing, you may be having some doubts about what you have produced. Repress those doubts! Don't undermine your authority as a researcher by saying something like, "This is just one approach to examining this problem; there may be other, much better approaches that...." The overall tone of your conclusion should convey confidence to the reader concerning the validity and realiability of your research.

Assan, Joseph. "Writing the Conclusion Chapter: The Good, the Bad and the Missing." Liverpool: Development Studies Association (2009): 1-8; Concluding Paragraphs. College Writing Center at Meramec. St. Louis Community College; Conclusions. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Conclusions. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Freedman, Leora  and Jerry Plotnick. Introductions and Conclusions. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Leibensperger, Summer. Draft Your Conclusion. Academic Center, the University of Houston-Victoria, 2003; Make Your Last Words Count. The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin Madison; Miquel, Fuster-Marquez and Carmen Gregori-Signes. “Chapter Six: ‘Last but Not Least:’ Writing the Conclusion of Your Paper.” In Writing an Applied Linguistics Thesis or Dissertation: A Guide to Presenting Empirical Research . John Bitchener, editor. (Basingstoke,UK: Palgrave Macmillan, 2010), pp. 93-105; Tips for Writing a Good Conclusion. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Kretchmer, Paul. Twelve Steps to Writing an Effective Conclusion. San Francisco Edit, 2003-2008; Writing Conclusions. Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University; Writing: Considering Structure and Organization. Institute for Writing Rhetoric. Dartmouth College.

Writing Tip

Don't Belabor the Obvious!

Avoid phrases like "in conclusion...," "in summary...," or "in closing...." These phrases can be useful, even welcome, in oral presentations. But readers can see by the tell-tale section heading and number of pages remaining that they are reaching the end of your paper. You'll irritate your readers if you belabor the obvious.

Assan, Joseph. "Writing the Conclusion Chapter: The Good, the Bad and the Missing." Liverpool: Development Studies Association (2009): 1-8.

Another Writing Tip

New Insight, Not New Information!

Don't surprise the reader with new information in your conclusion that was never referenced anywhere else in the paper. This is why the conclusion rarely has citations to sources that haven't been referenced elsewhere in your paper. If you have new information to present, add it to the discussion or other appropriate section of the paper. Note that, although no new information is introduced, the conclusion, along with the discussion section, is where you offer your most "original" contributions in the paper; the conclusion is where you describe the value of your research, demonstrate that you understand the material that you have presented, and position your findings within the larger context of scholarship on the topic, including describing how your research contributes new insights to that scholarship.

Assan, Joseph. "Writing the Conclusion Chapter: The Good, the Bad and the Missing." Liverpool: Development Studies Association (2009): 1-8; Conclusions. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina.

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How to write an excellent thesis conclusion [with examples]

Restate the thesis

Review or reiterate key points of your work, explain why your work is relevant, a take-away for the reader, more resources on writing thesis conclusions, frequently asked questions about writing an excellent thesis conclusion, related articles.

At this point in your writing, you have most likely finished your introduction and the body of your thesis, dissertation, or research paper . While this is a reason to celebrate, you should not underestimate the importance of your conclusion. The conclusion is the last thing that your reader will see, so it should be memorable.

A good conclusion will review the key points of the thesis and explain to the reader why the information is relevant, applicable, or related to the world as a whole. Make sure to dedicate enough of your writing time to the conclusion and do not put it off until the very last minute.

This article provides an effective technique for writing a conclusion adapted from Erika Eby’s The College Student's Guide to Writing a Good Research Paper: 101 Easy Tips & Tricks to Make Your Work Stand Out .

While the thesis introduction starts out with broad statements about the topic, and then narrows it down to the thesis statement , a thesis conclusion does the same in the opposite order.

• Restate the thesis.
• Review or reiterate key points of your work.
• Explain why your work is relevant.
• Include a core take-away message for the reader.

Tip: Don’t just copy and paste your thesis into your conclusion. Restate it in different words.

The best way to start a conclusion is simply by restating the thesis statement. That does not mean just copying and pasting it from the introduction, but putting it into different words.

You will need to change the structure and wording of it to avoid sounding repetitive. Also, be firm in your conclusion just as you were in the introduction. Try to avoid sounding apologetic by using phrases like "This paper has tried to show..."

The conclusion should address all the same parts as the thesis while making it clear that the reader has reached the end. You are telling the reader that your research is finished and what your findings are.

I have argued throughout this work that the point of critical mass for biopolitical immunity occurred during the Romantic period because of that era's unique combination of post-revolutionary politics and innovations in smallpox prevention. In particular, I demonstrated that the French Revolution and the discovery of vaccination in the 1790s triggered a reconsideration of the relationship between bodies and the state.

Tip: Try to reiterate points from your introduction in your thesis conclusion.

The next step is to review the main points of the thesis as a whole. Look back at the body of of your project and make a note of the key ideas. You can reword these ideas the same way you reworded your thesis statement and then incorporate that into the conclusion.

You can also repeat striking quotations or statistics, but do not use more than two. As the conclusion represents your own closing thoughts on the topic , it should mainly consist of your own words.

In addition, conclusions can contain recommendations to the reader or relevant questions that further the thesis. You should ask yourself:

• What you would ideally like to see your readers do in reaction to your paper?
• Do you want them to take a certain action or investigate further?
• Is there a bigger issue that your paper wants to draw attention to?

Also, try to reference your introduction in your conclusion. You have already taken a first step by restating your thesis. Now, check whether there are other key words, phrases or ideas that are mentioned in your introduction that fit into your conclusion. Connecting the introduction to the conclusion in this way will help readers feel satisfied.

I explored how Mary Wollstonecraft, in both her fiction and political writings, envisions an ideal medico-political state, and how other writers like William Wordsworth and Mary Shelley increasingly imagined the body politic literally, as an incorporated political collective made up of bodies whose immunity to political and medical ills was essential to a healthy state.

Tip: Make sure to explain why your thesis is relevant to your field of research.

Although you can encourage readers to question their opinions and reflect on your topic, do not leave loose ends. You should provide a sense of resolution and make sure your conclusion wraps up your argument. Make sure you explain why your thesis is relevant to your field of research and how your research intervenes within, or substantially revises, existing scholarly debates.

This project challenged conventional ideas about the relationship among Romanticism, medicine, and politics by reading the unfolding of Romantic literature and biopolitical immunity as mutual, co-productive processes. In doing so, this thesis revises the ways in which biopolitics has been theorized by insisting on the inherent connections between Romantic literature and the forms of biopower that characterize early modernity.

Tip: If you began your thesis with an anecdote or historical example, you may want to return to that in your conclusion.

End your conclusion with something memorable, such as:

• a call to action
• a recommendation
• a gesture towards future research
• a brief explanation of how the problem or idea you covered remains relevant

Ultimately, you want readers to feel more informed, or ready to act, as they read your conclusion.

Yet, the Romantic period is only the beginning of modern thought on immunity and biopolitics. Victorian writers, doctors, and politicians upheld the Romantic idea that a "healthy state" was a literal condition that could be achieved by combining politics and medicine, but augmented that idea through legislation and widespread public health measures. While many nineteenth-century efforts to improve citizens' health were successful, the fight against disease ultimately changed course in the twentieth century as global immunological threats such as SARS occupied public consciousness. Indeed, as subsequent public health events make apparent, biopolitical immunity persists as a viable concept for thinking about the relationship between medicine and politics in modernity.

Need more advice? Read our 5 additional tips on how to write a good thesis conclusion.

The conclusion is the last thing that your reader will see, so it should be memorable. To write a great thesis conclusion you should:

The basic content of a conclusion is to review the main points from the paper. This part represents your own closing thoughts on the topic. It should mainly consist of the outcome of the research in your own words.

The length of the conclusion will depend on the length of the whole thesis. Usually, a conclusion should be around 5-7% of the overall word count.

End your conclusion with something memorable, such as a question, warning, or call to action. Depending on the topic, you can also end with a recommendation.

In Open Access: Theses and Dissertations you can find thousands of completed works. Take a look at any of the theses or dissertations for real-life examples of conclusions that were already approved.

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• How to conclude an essay | Interactive example

How to Conclude an Essay | Interactive Example

Published on January 24, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

The conclusion is the final paragraph of your essay . A strong conclusion aims to:

• Tie together the essay’s main points
• Show why your argument matters
• Leave the reader with a strong impression

Your conclusion should give a sense of closure and completion to your argument, but also show what new questions or possibilities it has opened up.

This conclusion is taken from our annotated essay example , which discusses the history of the Braille system. Hover over each part to see why it’s effective.

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

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Table of contents

Step 1: return to your thesis, step 2: review your main points, step 3: show why it matters, what shouldn’t go in the conclusion, more examples of essay conclusions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about writing an essay conclusion.

To begin your conclusion, signal that the essay is coming to an end by returning to your overall argument.

Don’t just repeat your thesis statement —instead, try to rephrase your argument in a way that shows how it has been developed since the introduction.

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Next, remind the reader of the main points that you used to support your argument.

Avoid simply summarizing each paragraph or repeating each point in order; try to bring your points together in a way that makes the connections between them clear. The conclusion is your final chance to show how all the paragraphs of your essay add up to a coherent whole.

To wrap up your conclusion, zoom out to a broader view of the topic and consider the implications of your argument. For example:

• Does it contribute a new understanding of your topic?
• Does it raise new questions for future study?
• Does it lead to practical suggestions or predictions?
• Can it be applied to different contexts?
• Can it be connected to a broader debate or theme?

Whatever your essay is about, the conclusion should aim to emphasize the significance of your argument, whether that’s within your academic subject or in the wider world.

Try to end with a strong, decisive sentence, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of interest in your topic.

The easiest way to improve your conclusion is to eliminate these common mistakes.

Don’t include new evidence

Any evidence or analysis that is essential to supporting your thesis statement should appear in the main body of the essay.

The conclusion might include minor pieces of new information—for example, a sentence or two discussing broader implications, or a quotation that nicely summarizes your central point. But it shouldn’t introduce any major new sources or ideas that need further explanation to understand.

Don’t use “concluding phrases”

Avoid using obvious stock phrases to tell the reader what you’re doing:

• “In conclusion…”
• “To sum up…”

These phrases aren’t forbidden, but they can make your writing sound weak. By returning to your main argument, it will quickly become clear that you are concluding the essay—you shouldn’t have to spell it out.

Don’t undermine your argument

Avoid using apologetic phrases that sound uncertain or confused:

• “This is just one approach among many.”
• “There are good arguments on both sides of this issue.”
• “There is no clear answer to this problem.”

Even if your essay has explored different points of view, your own position should be clear. There may be many possible approaches to the topic, but you want to leave the reader convinced that yours is the best one!

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This conclusion is taken from an argumentative essay about the internet’s impact on education. It acknowledges the opposing arguments while taking a clear, decisive position.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

This conclusion is taken from a short expository essay that explains the invention of the printing press and its effects on European society. It focuses on giving a clear, concise overview of what was covered in the essay.

The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.

This conclusion is taken from a literary analysis essay about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein . It summarizes what the essay’s analysis achieved and emphasizes its originality.

By tracing the depiction of Frankenstein through the novel’s three volumes, I have demonstrated how the narrative structure shifts our perception of the character. While the Frankenstein of the first volume is depicted as having innocent intentions, the second and third volumes—first in the creature’s accusatory voice, and then in his own voice—increasingly undermine him, causing him to appear alternately ridiculous and vindictive. Far from the one-dimensional villain he is often taken to be, the character of Frankenstein is compelling because of the dynamic narrative frame in which he is placed. In this frame, Frankenstein’s narrative self-presentation responds to the images of him we see from others’ perspectives. This conclusion sheds new light on the novel, foregrounding Shelley’s unique layering of narrative perspectives and its importance for the depiction of character.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
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Your essay’s conclusion should contain:

• A rephrased version of your overall thesis
• A brief review of the key points you made in the main body
• An indication of why your argument matters

The conclusion may also reflect on the broader implications of your argument, showing how your ideas could applied to other contexts or debates.

For a stronger conclusion paragraph, avoid including:

• Important evidence or analysis that wasn’t mentioned in the main body
• Generic concluding phrases (e.g. “In conclusion…”)
• Weak statements that undermine your argument (e.g. “There are good points on both sides of this issue.”)

Your conclusion should leave the reader with a strong, decisive impression of your work.

The conclusion paragraph of an essay is usually shorter than the introduction . As a rule, it shouldn’t take up more than 10–15% of the text.

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• Writing Tips

How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

3-minute read

• 29th August 2023

If you’re writing a research paper, the conclusion is your opportunity to summarize your findings and leave a lasting impression on your readers. In this post, we’ll take you through how to write an effective conclusion for a research paper and how you can:

·   Reword your thesis statement

·   Highlight the significance of your research

·   Discuss limitations

·   Connect to the introduction

·   End with a thought-provoking statement

Rewording Your Thesis Statement

Begin your conclusion by restating your thesis statement in a way that is slightly different from the wording used in the introduction. Avoid presenting new information or evidence in your conclusion. Just summarize the main points and arguments of your essay and keep this part as concise as possible. Remember that you’ve already covered the in-depth analyses and investigations in the main body paragraphs of your essay, so it’s not necessary to restate these details in the conclusion.

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Highlighting the Significance of Your Research

The conclusion is a good place to emphasize the implications of your research . Avoid ambiguous or vague language such as “I think” or “maybe,” which could weaken your position. Clearly explain why your research is significant and how it contributes to the broader field of study.

Here’s an example from a (fictional) study on the impact of social media on mental health:

Discussing Limitations

Although it’s important to emphasize the significance of your study, you can also use the conclusion to briefly address any limitations you discovered while conducting your research, such as time constraints or a shortage of resources. Doing this demonstrates a balanced and honest approach to your research.

Connecting to the Introduction

In your conclusion, you can circle back to your introduction , perhaps by referring to a quote or anecdote you discussed earlier. If you end your paper on a similar note to how you began it, you will create a sense of cohesion for the reader and remind them of the meaning and significance of your research.

Ending With a Thought-Provoking Statement

Consider ending your paper with a thought-provoking and memorable statement that relates to the impact of your research questions or hypothesis. This statement can be a call to action, a philosophical question, or a prediction for the future (positive or negative). Here’s an example that uses the same topic as above (social media and mental health):

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• How to Write Discussions and Conclusions

The discussion section contains the results and outcomes of a study. An effective discussion informs readers what can be learned from your experiment and provides context for the results.

What makes an effective discussion?

When you’re ready to write your discussion, you’ve already introduced the purpose of your study and provided an in-depth description of the methodology. The discussion informs readers about the larger implications of your study based on the results. Highlighting these implications while not overstating the findings can be challenging, especially when you’re submitting to a journal that selects articles based on novelty or potential impact. Regardless of what journal you are submitting to, the discussion section always serves the same purpose: concluding what your study results actually mean.

A successful discussion section puts your findings in context. It should include:

• the results of your research,
• a discussion of related research, and
• a comparison between your results and initial hypothesis.

Tip: Not all journals share the same naming conventions.

You can apply the advice in this article to the conclusion, results or discussion sections of your manuscript.

Our Early Career Researcher community tells us that the conclusion is often considered the most difficult aspect of a manuscript to write. To help, this guide provides questions to ask yourself, a basic structure to model your discussion off of and examples from published manuscripts. 

Questions to ask yourself:

• Was my hypothesis correct?
• If my hypothesis is partially correct or entirely different, what can be learned from the results? 
• How do the conclusions reshape or add onto the existing knowledge in the field? What does previous research say about the topic? 
• Why are the results important or relevant to your audience? Do they add further evidence to a scientific consensus or disprove prior studies? 
• How can future research build on these observations? What are the key experiments that must be done? 
• What is the “take-home” message you want your reader to leave with?

How to structure a discussion

Trying to fit a complete discussion into a single paragraph can add unnecessary stress to the writing process. If possible, you’ll want to give yourself two or three paragraphs to give the reader a comprehensive understanding of your study as a whole. Here’s one way to structure an effective discussion:

Writing Tips

While the above sections can help you brainstorm and structure your discussion, there are many common mistakes that writers revert to when having difficulties with their paper. Writing a discussion can be a delicate balance between summarizing your results, providing proper context for your research and avoiding introducing new information. Remember that your paper should be both confident and honest about the results! 

• Read the journal’s guidelines on the discussion and conclusion sections. If possible, learn about the guidelines before writing the discussion to ensure you’re writing to meet their expectations. 
• Begin with a clear statement of the principal findings. This will reinforce the main take-away for the reader and set up the rest of the discussion. 
• Explain why the outcomes of your study are important to the reader. Discuss the implications of your findings realistically based on previous literature, highlighting both the strengths and limitations of the research. 
• State whether the results prove or disprove your hypothesis. If your hypothesis was disproved, what might be the reasons? 
• Introduce new or expanded ways to think about the research question. Indicate what next steps can be taken to further pursue any unresolved questions. 
• If dealing with a contemporary or ongoing problem, such as climate change, discuss possible consequences if the problem is avoided. 
• Be concise. Adding unnecessary detail can distract from the main findings. 

Don’t

• Rewrite your abstract. Statements with “we investigated” or “we studied” generally do not belong in the discussion. 
• Include new arguments or evidence not previously discussed. Necessary information and evidence should be introduced in the main body of the paper. 
• Apologize. Even if your research contains significant limitations, don’t undermine your authority by including statements that doubt your methodology or execution. 
• Shy away from speaking on limitations or negative results. Including limitations and negative results will give readers a complete understanding of the presented research. Potential limitations include sources of potential bias, threats to internal or external validity, barriers to implementing an intervention and other issues inherent to the study design. 
• Overstate the importance of your findings. Making grand statements about how a study will fully resolve large questions can lead readers to doubt the success of the research. 

Snippets of Effective Discussions:

Consumer-based actions to reduce plastic pollution in rivers: A multi-criteria decision analysis approach

Identifying reliable indicators of fitness in polar bears

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In a short paper—even a research paper—you don’t need to provide an exhaustive summary as part of your conclusion. But you do need to make some kind of transition between your final body paragraph and your concluding paragraph. This may come in the form of a few sentences of summary. Or it may come in the form of a sentence that brings your readers back to your thesis or main idea and reminds your readers where you began and how far you have traveled.

So, for example, in a paper about the relationship between ADHD and rejection sensitivity, Vanessa Roser begins by introducing readers to the fact that researchers have studied the relationship between the two conditions and then provides her explanation of that relationship. Here’s her thesis: “While socialization may indeed be an important factor in RS, I argue that individuals with ADHD may also possess a neurological predisposition to RS that is exacerbated by the differing executive and emotional regulation characteristic of ADHD.”

In her final paragraph, Roser reminds us of where she started by echoing her thesis: “This literature demonstrates that, as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”  

Highlight the “so what”  

At the beginning of your paper, you explain to your readers what’s at stake—why they should care about the argument you’re making. In your conclusion, you can bring readers back to those stakes by reminding them why your argument is important in the first place. You can also draft a few sentences that put those stakes into a new or broader context.

In the conclusion to her paper about ADHD and RS, Roser echoes the stakes she established in her introduction—that research into connections between ADHD and RS has led to contradictory results, raising questions about the “behavioral mediation hypothesis.”

She writes, “as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”  

Leave your readers with the “now what”  

After the “what” and the “so what,” you should leave your reader with some final thoughts. If you have written a strong introduction, your readers will know why you have been arguing what you have been arguing—and why they should care. And if you’ve made a good case for your thesis, then your readers should be in a position to see things in a new way, understand new questions, or be ready for something that they weren’t ready for before they read your paper.

In her conclusion, Roser offers two “now what” statements. First, she explains that it is important to recognize that the flawed behavioral mediation hypothesis “seems to place a degree of fault on the individual. It implies that individuals with ADHD must have elicited such frequent or intense rejection by virtue of their inadequate social skills, erasing the possibility that they may simply possess a natural sensitivity to emotion.” She then highlights the broader implications for treatment of people with ADHD, noting that recognizing the actual connection between rejection sensitivity and ADHD “has profound implications for understanding how individuals with ADHD might best be treated in educational settings, by counselors, family, peers, or even society as a whole.”

To find your own “now what” for your essay’s conclusion, try asking yourself these questions:

• What can my readers now understand, see in a new light, or grapple with that they would not have understood in the same way before reading my paper? Are we a step closer to understanding a larger phenomenon or to understanding why what was at stake is so important?  
• What questions can I now raise that would not have made sense at the beginning of my paper? Questions for further research? Other ways that this topic could be approached?  
• Are there other applications for my research? Could my questions be asked about different data in a different context? Could I use my methods to answer a different question?  
• What action should be taken in light of this argument? What action do I predict will be taken or could lead to a solution?  
• What larger context might my argument be a part of?  

What to avoid in your conclusion  

• a complete restatement of all that you have said in your paper.  
• a substantial counterargument that you do not have space to refute; you should introduce counterarguments before your conclusion.  
• an apology for what you have not said. If you need to explain the scope of your paper, you should do this sooner—but don’t apologize for what you have not discussed in your paper.  
• fake transitions like “in conclusion” that are followed by sentences that aren’t actually conclusions. (“In conclusion, I have now demonstrated that my thesis is correct.”)
• picture_as_pdf Conclusions

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How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

Last Updated: May 8, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 43 testimonials and 83% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 2,260,911 times.

The conclusion of a research paper needs to summarize the content and purpose of the paper without seeming too wooden or dry. Every basic conclusion must share several key elements, but there are also several tactics you can play around with to craft a more effective conclusion and several you should avoid to prevent yourself from weakening your paper's conclusion. Here are some writing tips to keep in mind when creating a conclusion for your next research paper.

Sample Conclusions

Writing a basic conclusion.

• Do not spend a great amount of time or space restating your topic.
• A good research paper will make the importance of your topic apparent, so you do not need to write an elaborate defense of your topic in the conclusion.
• Usually a single sentence is all you need to restate your topic.
• An example would be if you were writing a paper on the epidemiology of infectious disease, you might say something like "Tuberculosis is a widespread infectious disease that affects millions of people worldwide every year."
• Yet another example from the humanities would be a paper about the Italian Renaissance: "The Italian Renaissance was an explosion of art and ideas centered around artists, writers, and thinkers in Florence."

• A thesis is a narrowed, focused view on the topic at hand.
• This statement should be rephrased from the thesis you included in your introduction. It should not be identical or too similar to the sentence you originally used.
• Try re-wording your thesis statement in a way that complements your summary of the topic of your paper in your first sentence of your conclusion.
• An example of a good thesis statement, going back to the paper on tuberculosis, would be "Tuberculosis is a widespread disease that affects millions of people worldwide every year. Due to the alarming rate of the spread of tuberculosis, particularly in poor countries, medical professionals are implementing new strategies for the diagnosis, treatment, and containment of this disease ."

• A good way to go about this is to re-read the topic sentence of each major paragraph or section in the body of your paper.
• Find a way to briefly restate each point mentioned in each topic sentence in your conclusion. Do not repeat any of the supporting details used within your body paragraphs.
• Under most circumstances, you should avoid writing new information in your conclusion. This is especially true if the information is vital to the argument or research presented in your paper.
• For example, in the TB paper you could summarize the information. "Tuberculosis is a widespread disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Due to the alarming rate of the spread of tuberculosis, particularly in poor countries, medical professionals are implementing new strategies for the diagnosis, treatment, and containment of this disease. In developing countries, such as those in Africa and Southeast Asia, the rate of TB infections is soaring. Crowded conditions, poor sanitation, and lack of access to medical care are all compounding factors in the spread of the disease. Medical experts, such as those from the World Health Organization are now starting campaigns to go into communities in developing countries and provide diagnostic testing and treatments. However, the treatments for TB are very harsh and have many side effects. This leads to patient non-compliance and spread of multi-drug resistant strains of the disease."

• Note that this is not needed for all research papers.
• If you already fully explained what the points in your paper mean or why they are significant, you do not need to go into them in much detail in your conclusion. Simply restating your thesis or the significance of your topic should suffice.
• It is always best practice to address important issues and fully explain your points in the body of your paper. The point of a conclusion to a research paper is to summarize your argument for the reader and, perhaps, to call the reader to action if needed.

• Note that a call for action is not essential to all conclusions. A research paper on literary criticism, for instance, is less likely to need a call for action than a paper on the effect that television has on toddlers and young children.
• A paper that is more likely to call readers to action is one that addresses a public or scientific need. Let's go back to our example of tuberculosis. This is a very serious disease that is spreading quickly and with antibiotic-resistant forms.
• A call to action in this research paper would be a follow-up statement that might be along the lines of "Despite new efforts to diagnose and contain the disease, more research is needed to develop new antibiotics that will treat the most resistant strains of tuberculosis and ease the side effects of current treatments."

• For example, if you are writing a history paper, then you might discuss how the historical topic you discussed matters today. If you are writing about a foreign country, then you might use the conclusion to discuss how the information you shared may help readers understand their own country.

Making Your Conclusion as Effective as Possible

• Since this sort of conclusion is so basic, you must aim to synthesize the information rather than merely summarizing it.
• Instead of merely repeating things you already said, rephrase your thesis and supporting points in a way that ties them all together.
• By doing so, you make your research paper seem like a "complete thought" rather than a collection of random and vaguely related ideas.

• Ask a question in your introduction. In your conclusion, restate the question and provide a direct answer.
• Write an anecdote or story in your introduction but do not share the ending. Instead, write the conclusion to the anecdote in the conclusion of your paper.
• For example, if you wanted to get more creative and put a more humanistic spin on a paper on tuberculosis, you might start your introduction with a story about a person with the disease, and refer to that story in your conclusion. For example, you could say something like this before you re-state your thesis in your conclusion: "Patient X was unable to complete the treatment for tuberculosis due to severe side effects and unfortunately succumbed to the disease."
• Use the same concepts and images introduced in your introduction in your conclusion. The images may or may not appear at other points throughout the research paper.

• Include enough information about your topic to back the statement up but do not get too carried away with excess detail.
• If your research did not provide you with a clear-cut answer to a question posed in your thesis, do not be afraid to indicate as much.
• Restate your initial hypothesis and indicate whether you still believe it or if the research you performed has begun swaying your opinion.
• Indicate that an answer may still exist and that further research could shed more light on the topic at hand.

• This may not be appropriate for all types of research papers. Most research papers, such as one on effective treatment for diseases, will have the information to make the case for a particular argument already in the paper.
• A good example of a paper that might ask a question of the reader in the ending is one about a social issue, such as poverty or government policy.
• Ask a question that will directly get at the heart or purpose of the paper. This question is often the same question, or some version of it, that you may have started with when you began your research.
• Make sure that the question can be answered by the evidence presented in your paper.
• If desired you can briefly summarize the answer after stating the question. You could also leave the question hanging for the reader to answer, though.

• Even without a call to action, you can still make a recommendation to your reader.
• For instance, if you are writing about a topic like third-world poverty, you can various ways for the reader to assist in the problem without necessarily calling for more research.
• Another example would be, in a paper about treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis, you could suggest donating to the World Health Organization or research foundations that are developing new treatments for the disease.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• These sayings usually sound stiff, unnatural, or trite when used in writing.
• Moreover, using a phrase like "in conclusion" to begin your conclusion is a little too straightforward and tends to lead to a weak conclusion. A strong conclusion can stand on its own without being labeled as such.

• Always state the main argument or thesis in the introduction. A research paper is an analytical discussion of an academic topic, not a mystery novel.
• A good, effective research paper will allow your reader to follow your main argument from start to finish.
• This is why it is best practice to start your paper with an introduction that states your main argument and to end the paper with a conclusion that re-states your thesis for re-iteration.

• All significant information should be introduced in the body of the paper.
• Supporting evidence expands the topic of your paper by making it appear more detailed. A conclusion should narrow the topic to a more general point.
• A conclusion should only summarize what you have already stated in the body of your paper.
• You may suggest further research or a call to action, but you should not bring in any new evidence or facts in the conclusion.

• Most often, a shift in tone occurs when a research paper with an academic tone gives an emotional or sentimental conclusion.
• Even if the topic of the paper is of personal significance for you, you should not indicate as much in your paper.
• If you want to give your paper a more humanistic slant, you could start and end your paper with a story or anecdote that would give your topic more personal meaning to the reader.
• This tone should be consistent throughout the paper, however.

• Apologetic statements include phrases like "I may not be an expert" or "This is only my opinion."
• Statements like this can usually be avoided by refraining from writing in the first-person.
• Avoid any statements in the first-person. First-person is generally considered to be informal and does not fit with the formal tone of a research paper.

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• ↑ http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/724/04/
• ↑ http://www.crlsresearchguide.org/18_Writing_Conclusion.asp
• ↑ http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/PlanResearchPaper.html#conclusion
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/conclusions/
• ↑ http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/conclude.html

About This Article

To write a conclusion for a research paper, start by restating your thesis statement to remind your readers what your main topic is and bring everything full circle. Then, briefly summarize all of the main points you made throughout your paper, which will help remind your readers of everything they learned. You might also want to include a call to action if you think more research or work needs to be done on your topic by writing something like, "Despite efforts to contain the disease, more research is needed to develop antibiotics." Finally, end your conclusion by explaining the broader context of your topic and why your readers should care about it, which will help them understand why your topic is relevant and important. For tips from our Academic co-author, like how to avoid common pitfalls when writing your conclusion, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Research Paper Conclusion Section

What is a conclusion in a research paper?

The conclusion in a research paper is the final paragraph or two in a research paper. In scientific papers, the conclusion usually follows the Discussion section , summarizing the importance of the findings and reminding the reader why the work presented in the paper is relevant.

However, it can be a bit confusing to distinguish the conclusion section/paragraph from a summary or a repetition of your findings, your own opinion, or the statement of the implications of your work. In fact, the conclusion should contain a bit of all of these other parts but go beyond it—but not too far beyond! 

The structure and content of the conclusion section can also vary depending on whether you are writing a research manuscript or an essay. This article will explain how to write a good conclusion section, what exactly it should (and should not) contain, how it should be structured, and what you should avoid when writing it.  

Table of Contents:

What does a good conclusion section do, what to include in a research paper conclusion.

• Conclusion in an Essay
• Research Paper Conclusion 
• Conclusion Paragraph Outline and Example
• What Not to Do When Writing a Conclusion

The conclusion of a research paper has several key objectives. It should:

• Restate your research problem addressed in the introduction section
• Summarize your main arguments, important findings, and broader implications
• Synthesize key takeaways from your study

The specific content in the conclusion depends on whether your paper presents the results of original scientific research or constructs an argument through engagement with previously published sources.

You presented your general field of study to the reader in the introduction section, by moving from general information (the background of your work, often combined with a literature review ) to the rationale of your study and then to the specific problem or topic you addressed, formulated in the form of the statement of the problem in research or the thesis statement in an essay.

In the conclusion section, in contrast, your task is to move from your specific findings or arguments back to a more general depiction of how your research contributes to the readers’ understanding of a certain concept or helps solve a practical problem, or fills an important gap in the literature. The content of your conclusion section depends on the type of research you are doing and what type of paper you are writing. But whatever the outcome of your work is, the conclusion is where you briefly summarize it and place it within a larger context. It could be called the “take-home message” of the entire paper.

What to summarize in the conclusion

Your conclusion section needs to contain a very brief summary of your work , a very brief summary of the main findings of your work, and a mention of anything else that seems relevant when you now look at your work from a bigger perspective, even if it was not initially listed as one of your main research questions. This could be a limitation, for example, a problem with the design of your experiment that either needs to be considered when drawing any conclusions or that led you to ask a different question and therefore draw different conclusions at the end of your study (compared to when you started out).

Once you have reminded the reader of what you did and what you found, you need to go beyond that and also provide either your own opinion on why your work is relevant (and for whom, and how) or theoretical or practical implications of the study , or make a specific call for action if there is one to be made.   

How to Write an Essay Conclusion

Academic essays follow quite different structures than their counterparts in STEM and the natural sciences. Humanities papers often have conclusion sections that are much longer and contain more detail than scientific papers. There are three main types of academic essay conclusions.

Summarizing conclusion

The most typical conclusion at the end of an analytical/explanatory/argumentative essay is a summarizing conclusion . This is, as the name suggests, a clear summary of the main points of your topic and thesis. Since you might have gone through a number of different arguments or subtopics in the main part of your essay, you need to remind the reader again what those were, how they fit into each other, and how they helped you develop or corroborate your hypothesis.

For an essay that analyzes how recruiters can hire the best candidates in the shortest time or on “how starving yourself will increase your lifespan, according to science”, a summary of all the points you discussed might be all you need. Note that you should not exactly repeat what you said earlier, but rather highlight the essential details and present those to your reader in a different way. 

Externalizing conclusion

If you think that just reminding the reader of your main points is not enough, you can opt for an externalizing conclusion instead, that presents new points that were not presented in the paper so far. These new points can be additional facts and information or they can be ideas that are relevant to the topic and have not been mentioned before.

Such a conclusion can stimulate your readers to think about your topic or the implications of your analysis in a whole new way. For example, at the end of a historical analysis of a specific event or development, you could direct your reader’s attention to some current events that were not the topic of your essay but that provide a different context for your findings.

Editorial conclusion

In an editorial conclusion , another common type of conclusion that you will find at the end of papers and essays, you do not add new information but instead present your own experiences or opinions on the topic to round everything up. What makes this type of conclusion interesting is that you can choose to agree or disagree with the information you presented in your paper so far. For example, if you have collected and analyzed information on how a specific diet helps people lose weight, you can nevertheless have your doubts on the sustainability of that diet or its practicability in real life—if such arguments were not included in your original thesis and have therefore not been covered in the main part of your paper, the conclusion section is the place where you can get your opinion across.    

How to Conclude an Empirical Research Paper

An empirical research paper is usually more concise and succinct than an essay, because, if it is written well, it focuses on one specific question, describes the method that was used to answer that one question, describes and explains the results, and guides the reader in a logical way from the introduction to the discussion without going on tangents or digging into not absolutely relevant topics.

Summarize the findings

In a scientific paper, you should include a summary of the findings. Don’t go into great detail here (you will have presented your in-depth  results  and  discussion  already), but do clearly express the answers to the  research questions  you investigated.

Describe your main findings, even if they weren’t necessarily the ones anticipated, and explain the conclusion they led you to. Explain these findings in as few words as possible.

Instead of beginning with “ In conclusion, in this study, we investigated the effect of stress on the brain using fMRI …”, you should try to find a way to incorporate the repetition of the essential (and only the essential) details into the summary of the key points. “ The findings of this fMRI study on the effect of stress on the brain suggest that …” or “ While it has been known for a long time that stress has an effect on the brain, the findings of this fMRI study show that, surprisingly… ” would be better ways to start a conclusion. 

You should also not bring up new ideas or present new facts in the conclusion of a research paper, but stick to the background information you have presented earlier, to the findings you have already discussed, and the limitations and implications you have already described. The one thing you can add here is a practical recommendation that you haven’t clearly stated before—but even that one needs to follow logically from everything you have already discussed in the discussion section.

Discuss the implications

After summing up your key arguments or findings, conclude the paper by stating the broader implications of the research , whether in methods , approach, or findings. Express practical or theoretical takeaways from your paper. This often looks like a “call to action” or a final “sales pitch” that puts an exclamation point on your paper.

If your research topic is more theoretical in nature, your closing statement should express the significance of your argument—for example, in proposing a new understanding of a topic or laying the groundwork for future research.

Future research example

Future research into education standards should focus on establishing a more detailed picture of how novel pedagogical approaches impact young people’s ability to absorb new and difficult concepts. Moreover, observational studies are needed to gain more insight into how specific teaching models affect the retention of relationships and facts—for instance, how inquiry-based learning and its emphasis on lateral thinking can be used as a jumping-off point for more holistic classroom approaches.

Research Conclusion Example and Outline

Let’s revisit the study on the effect of stress on the brain we mentioned before and see what the common structure for a conclusion paragraph looks like, in three steps. Following these simple steps will make it easy for you to wrap everything up in one short paragraph that contains all the essential information: 

One: Short summary of what you did, but integrated into the summary of your findings:

While it has been known for a long time that stress has an effect on the brain, the findings of this fMRI study in 25 university students going through mid-term exams show that, surprisingly, one’s attitude to the experienced stress significantly modulates the brain’s response to it. 

Note that you don’t need to repeat any methodological or technical details here—the reader has been presented with all of these before, they have read your results section and the discussion of your results, and even (hopefully!) a discussion of the limitations and strengths of your paper. The only thing you need to remind them of here is the essential outcome of your work. 

Two: Add implications, and don’t forget to specify who this might be relevant for: 

Students could be considered a specific subsample of the general population, but earlier research shows that the effect that exam stress has on their physical and mental health is comparable to the effects of other types of stress on individuals of other ages and occupations. Further research into practical ways of modulating not only one’s mental stress response but potentially also one’s brain activity (e.g., via neurofeedback training) are warranted.

This is a “research implication”, and it is nicely combined with a mention of a potential limitation of the study (the student sample) that turns out not to be a limitation after all (because earlier research suggests we can generalize to other populations). If there already is a lot of research on neurofeedback for stress control, by the way, then this should have been discussed in your discussion section earlier and you wouldn’t say such studies are “warranted” here but rather specify how your findings could inspire specific future experiments or how they should be implemented in existing applications. 

Three: The most important thing is that your conclusion paragraph accurately reflects the content of your paper. Compare it to your research paper title , your research paper abstract , and to your journal submission cover letter , in case you already have one—if these do not all tell the same story, then you need to go back to your paper, start again from the introduction section, and find out where you lost the logical thread. As always, consistency is key.    

Problems to Avoid When Writing a Conclusion 

• Do not suddenly introduce new information that has never been mentioned before (unless you are writing an essay and opting for an externalizing conclusion, see above). The conclusion section is not where you want to surprise your readers, but the take-home message of what you have already presented.
• Do not simply copy your abstract, the conclusion section of your abstract, or the first sentence of your introduction, and put it at the end of the discussion section. Even if these parts of your paper cover the same points, they should not be identical.
• Do not start the conclusion with “In conclusion”. If it has its own section heading, that is redundant, and if it is the last paragraph of the discussion section, it is inelegant and also not really necessary. The reader expects you to wrap your work up in the last paragraph, so you don’t have to announce that. Just look at the above example to see how to start a conclusion in a natural way.
• Do not forget what your research objectives were and how you initially formulated the statement of the problem in your introduction section. If your story/approach/conclusions changed because of methodological issues or information you were not aware of when you started, then make sure you go back to the beginning and adapt your entire story (not just the ending). 

Consider Receiving Academic Editing Services

When you have arrived at the conclusion of your paper, you might want to head over to Wordvice AI’s AI Writing Assistant to receive a free grammar check for any academic content. 

After drafting, you can also receive English editing and proofreading services , including paper editing services for your journal manuscript. If you need advice on how to write the other parts of your research paper , or on how to make a research paper outline if you are struggling with putting everything you did together, then head over to the Wordvice academic resources pages , where we have a lot more articles and videos for you.

How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

When you're wrapping up a research paper, the conclusion is like the grand finale of a fireworks show – it's your chance to leave a lasting impression. In this article, we'll break down the steps to help you write a winning research paper conclusion that not only recaps your main points but also ties everything together. Consider it the "So what?" moment – why should people care about your research? Our professional essay writers will guide you through making your conclusion strong, clear, and something that sticks with your readers long after they've put down your paper. So, let's dive in and ensure your research ends on a high note!

What Is a Conclusion in a Research Paper

In a research paper, the conclusion serves as the final segment, where you summarize the main points and findings of your study. It's not just a repetition of what you've already said but rather a chance to tie everything together and highlight the significance of your research. As you learn how to start a research paper , a good conclusion also often discusses the implications of your findings, suggests potential areas for further research, and leaves the reader with a lasting impression of the importance and relevance of your work in the broader context of the field. Essentially, it's your last opportunity to make a strong impact and leave your readers with a clear understanding of the significance of your research. Here’s a research paper conclusion example:

In conclusion, this research paper has navigated the intricacies of sustainable urban development, shedding light on the pivotal role of community engagement and innovative planning strategies. Through applying qualitative and quantitative research methods, we've uncovered valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities inherent in fostering environmentally friendly urban spaces. The implications of these findings extend beyond the confines of this study, emphasizing the imperative for continued exploration in the realms of urban planning and environmental sustainability. By emphasizing both the practical applications and theoretical contributions, this research underscores the significance of community involvement and forward-thinking strategies in shaping the future of urban landscapes. As cities evolve, incorporating these insights into planning and development practices will create resilient and harmonious urban environments.

Conclusion Outline for Research Paper

This outline for a research paper conclusion provides a structured framework to ensure that your ending effectively summarizes the key elements of your research paper and leaves a lasting impression on your readers. Adjust the content based on the specific requirements and focus of your research.

Restate the Thesis Statement

• Briefly restate the main thesis or research question.
• Emphasize the core objective or purpose of the study.

Summarize Key Findings

• Recap the main points and key findings from each section of the paper.
• Provide a concise overview of the research journey.

Discuss Implications

• Explore the broader implications of the research findings.
• Discuss how the results contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field.

Address Limitations

• Acknowledge any limitations or constraints encountered during the research process.
• Explain how these limitations may impact the interpretation of the findings.

Suggest Areas for Future Research

• Propose potential directions for future studies related to the topic.
• Identify gaps in the current research that warrant further exploration.

Reaffirm Significance

• Reaffirm the importance and relevance of the research in the broader context.
• Highlight the practical applications or real-world implications of the study.

Concluding Statement

• Craft a strong, memorable closing statement that leaves a lasting impression.
• Sum up the overall impact of the research and its potential contribution to the field.

Study the full guide on how to make a research paper outline here, which will also specify the conclusion writing specifics to improve your general prowess.

Tips on How to Make a Conclusion in Research

Here are key considerations regarding a conclusion for research paper to not only recap the primary ideas in your work but also delve deeper to earn a higher grade:

• Provide a concise recap of your main research outcomes.
• Remind readers of your research goals and their accomplishments.
• Stick to summarizing existing content; refrain from adding new details.
• Emphasize why your research matters and its broader implications.
• Clearly explain the practical or theoretical impact of your findings.
• Prompt readers to reflect on how your research influences their perspective.
• Briefly discuss the robustness of your research methods.
• End with a suggestion for future research or a practical application.
• Transparently address any constraints or biases in your study.
• End on a powerful note, leaving a memorable impression on your readers.

For your inspiration, we’ve also prepared this research proposal example APA , which dwells on another important aspect of research writing.

How to Write a Research Paper Conclusion

As you finish your research paper, the conclusion takes center stage. In this section, we've got five practical tips for writing a conclusion for a research paper. We'll guide you through summarizing your key findings, revisiting your research goals, discussing the bigger picture, addressing any limitations, and ending on a powerful note. Think of it as your roadmap to creating a conclusion that not only wraps up your research but also leaves a lasting impact on your readers. Let's dive in and make sure your conclusion stands out for all the right reasons!

Synthesize Core Discoveries. Initiate your conclusion by synthesizing the essential discoveries of your research. Offer a succinct recapitulation of the primary points and outcomes you have elucidated in your paper. This aids in reinforcing the gravity of your work and reiterates the pivotal information you have presented.

Revisit Research Objectives. Revisit the research objectives or questions you outlined at the beginning of your paper. Assess whether you have successfully addressed these objectives and if your findings align with the initial goals of your research. This reflection helps tie your conclusion back to the purpose of your study.

Discuss Implications and Contributions. Discuss the broader implications of your research and its potential contributions to the field. Consider how your findings might impact future research, applications, or understanding of the subject matter. This demonstrates the significance of your work and places it within a larger context.

Address Limitations and Future Research. Acknowledge any limitations in your study, such as constraints in data collection or potential biases. Briefly discuss how these limitations might have affected your results. Additionally, suggest areas for future research that could build upon your work, addressing any unanswered questions or unexplored aspects. This demonstrates a thoughtful approach to your research.

End with a Strong Conclusion Statement. Conclude your research paper with a strong and memorable statement that reinforces the key message you want readers to take away. This could be a call to action, a proposal for further investigation, or a reflection on the broader significance of your findings. Leave your readers with a lasting impression that emphasizes the importance of your research. Remember that you can buy a research paper anytime if you lack time or get stuck in writer’s block.

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Stylistic Devices to Use in a Conclusion

Discover distinctive stylistic insights that you can apply when writing a conclusion for a research paper:

• Rhetorical Questions. When using rhetorical questions, strategically place them to engage readers' minds. For instance, you might pose a question that prompts reflection on the broader implications of your findings, leaving your audience with something to ponder.
• Powerful Language. Incorporate strong language to convey a sense of conviction and importance. Choose words that resonate with the overall tone of your research and amplify the significance of your conclusions. This adds weight to your key messages.
• Repetitions. Repetitions can be employed to reinforce essential ideas. Reiterate key phrases or concepts in a way that emphasizes their importance without sounding redundant. This technique serves to drive home your main points.
• Anecdotes. Integrating anecdotes into your conclusion can provide a human touch. Share a brief and relevant story that connects with your research, making the information more relatable and memorable for your audience.
• Vivid Imagery. Lastly, use vivid imagery to paint a picture in the minds of your readers. Appeal to their senses by describing scenarios or outcomes related to your research. This creates a more immersive and lasting impression.

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How to Make a Conclusion Logically Appealing

Knowing how to write a conclusion for a research paper that is logically appealing is important for leaving a lasting impression on your readers. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Logical Sequencing

• Present your conclusion in a structured manner, following the natural flow of your paper. Readers should effortlessly follow your thought process, making your conclusion more accessible and persuasive.

Reinforce Main Arguments

• Emphasize the core arguments and findings from your research. By reinforcing key points, you solidify your stance and provide a logical culmination to your paper.

Address Counterarguments

• Acknowledge and address potential counterarguments or limitations in your research. Demonstrate intellectual honesty and strengthen your conclusion by preemptively addressing potential doubts.

Connect with Introduction

• Revisit themes or concepts introduced in your introduction to create a cohesive narrative, allowing readers to trace the logical progression of your research from start to finish.

Propose Actionable Insights

• Suggest practical applications or recommendations based on your findings. This will add a forward-looking dimension, making your conclusion more relevant and compelling.

Highlight Significance

• Clearly articulate the broader implications of your research to convey the importance of your work and its potential impact on the field, making your conclusion logically compelling.

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Avoid These Things When Writing a Research Paper Conclusion

As you write your conclusion of research paper, there’s a list of things professional writers don’t recommend doing. Consider these issues carefully:

• Repetition of Exact Phrases
• Repetitively using the same phrases or sentences from the main body. Repetition can make your conclusion seem redundant and less engaging.
• Overly Lengthy Summaries
• Providing excessively detailed summaries of each section of your paper. Readers may lose interest if the conclusion becomes too long and detailed.
• Unclear Connection to the Introduction
• Failing to connect the conclusion back to the introduction. A lack of continuity may make the paper feel disjointed.
• Adding New Arguments or Ideas
• Introducing new arguments or ideas that were not addressed in the body. This can confuse the reader and disrupt the coherence of your paper.
• Overuse of Complex Jargon
• Using excessively complex or technical language without clarification. Clear communication is essential in the conclusion, ensuring broad understanding.
• Apologizing or Undermining Confidence
• Apologizing for limitations or expressing doubt about your work. Maintain a confident tone; if limitations exist, present them objectively without undermining your research.
• Sweeping Generalizations
• Making overly broad or unsupported generalizations. Such statements can weaken the credibility of your conclusion.
• Neglecting the Significance
• Failing to emphasize the broader significance of your research. Readers need to understand why your findings matter in a larger context.
• Abrupt Endings
• Concluding abruptly without a strong closing statement. A powerful ending leaves a lasting impression; avoid a sudden or weak conclusion.

Research Paper Conclusion Example

That covers the essential aspects of summarizing a research paper. The only remaining step is to review the conclusion examples for research paper provided by our team.

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Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the knowledge of how to write the conclusion of a research paper is pivotal for presenting your findings and leaving a lasting impression on your readers. By summarizing the key points, reiterating the significance of your research, and offering avenues for future exploration, you can create a conclusion that not only reinforces the value of your study but also encourages further academic discourse. Remember to balance brevity and completeness, ensuring your conclusion is concise yet comprehensive. Emphasizing the practical implications of your research and connecting it to the broader academic landscape will help solidify the impact of your work. Pay someone to write a research paper if you are having a hard time finishing your coursework on time.

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How To Write A Conclusion For A Research Paper?

What should the conclusion of a research paper contain, how to start a conclusion paragraph for a research paper.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• APR 17, 2024

How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper: Effective Tips and Strategies in 2024

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Writing a research paper is both deemed an essential and dreaded part of academics. The writing process can actually be a fruitful experience, although many students see it as a daunting task. A research paper has lots of pivotal facets, each calling for knowledge-gathering, understanding the subject, and effort to put the pieces together. However, in this article, we will only pay attention to the conclusion and how to construct one that leaves a lasting impact on the readers.

According to Faryadi (2012), writing a conclusion is as difficult as writing the introduction; meanwhile, Holewa states that writing the conclusion is the hardest part of the writing process. As the last part of a research paper format , the conclusion is the point where the writer has already exhausted his or her intellectual resources. Conclusion, however, is what readers often remember the most and, therefore, must also be the best part of your written research (Holewa, 2004).

Unlike what others may have come to believe, the conclusion is not a mere summarization of an article, an essay, or a research paper. Simply put, the conclusion goes beyond restating the introduction and body of your research. In this article, we walk you through the process of formulating an effective research paper conclusion by understanding its purpose, the strategies you can use, and what you should avoid doing when writing a conclusion in a research paper.

What Is a Research Paper Conclusion?

So, what is conclusion in research? The conclusion is the part of the research paper that brings everything together in a logical manner. As the last part of a research paper, a conclusion provides a clear interpretation of the results of your research in a way that stresses the significance of your study. A conclusion must be more extensive and encompassing compared to a particular finding and, in the same vein, various findings may be integrated into a single conclusion (Baron, 2008).

Unlike the introduction where you open a dialogue with your readers about the problem and/or present research questions , arguments, and what knowledge gaps you aim to bridge, the conclusion provides a clear and concise picture of how you are able to accomplish all of these. The conclusion is where you describe the consequences of your arguments by justifying to your readers why your arguments matter (Hamilton College, 2014).

Derntl (2014) also describes conclusion as the counterpart of the introduction. Using the Hourglass Model (Swales, 1993) as a visual reference, Derntl describes conclusion as the part of the research paper that leads the readers from narrow or specific results to broader and more general conclusion.

While it is deeply interlinked with how to make conclusion in research, conclusion writing is another craft on its own. Good conclusion writing oftentimes has a mix of logical presentation and a good deal of rhetoric. So, one of the best ways to actually become better at it is to emulate the way your favorite researchers write or how conclusions are presented in similar papers.

Why Is Conclusion Necessary in a Research Paper?

Just like the final chord in a song, a conclusion is necessary to make a research paper complete and well done (CRLS Research Guide, 2018). While your introduction sets the expectations and the body of your research paper presents your methodology and detailed analyses, the conclusion is where you demonstrate the significance of your findings, insights, and observations. The conclusion creates a bigger picture of your research work that helps your readers view the subject of your study as a whole and in a new light.

As the author of your research paper, the conclusion plays an important role in giving you the opportunity to have the final word, create a good impression, and end your paper on a positive note. In order to achieve this, your conclusion must possess the key characteristics of an effective concluding section. And when someone asks what are the characteristics of research , an effective concluding section is one of the most important characteristics of a good research work.

In terms of length, the conclusions of professional empirical research articles usually have five to six paragraphs, while student/novice papers typically have two- to three-paragraph conclusions (Powner, 2017).

Effective Strategies in Writing a Conclusion

Your research paper conclusion is the opposite of the introduction not just in placement but also in structure. The introduction generally follows the inverted triangle format with the general statement element on top, narrowing down to the main point of research. The conclusion, on the other hand, follows the inverted introduction structure by opening with the highlights of your research and ending with a general but relevant statement that encourages readers to think, as well as challenges them to take action based on the new pieces of knowledge they have gained from your research paper (Purdue Global Campus, n.d.).

Several studies that analyzed how conclusions are framed (see for instance Bunton, 2005 and Lewkowicz, 2012) found that most authors either restate and consolidate a research problem or synthesize the research work. When consolidating the problem, authors either present the solutions, products, or results of a research problem and/or assumptions (Soler-Monreal, C. 2019). Nonetheless, in general, here are general tips on how to write conclusion in research better:

Synthesizing instead of summarizing

As mentioned previously, the research conclusion is not a summary of your research paper. While a summary can be an element of this section, the conclusion goes beyond simply restating your ideas and analyses. Instead of repeating what you already said in the abstract, introduction, and body of your study, demonstrate to your reader how the essential elements in your research paper coherently fit together (The Writing Center UNC, n.d.).

Echoing the introduction

This approach to writing the conclusion brings your reader to a full circle by using or referring to the same elements you used in your introduction or by drawing parallels. An example of this would be retelling a scenario you described in your introduction, but this time while creating a new understanding of the subject based on the results of your study that further reinforces your arguments and/or hypotheses.

Redirecting the reader

Your conclusion plays the role of being your readers’ bridge back to the real world after welcoming them into your study through your introduction and immersing them in your methodologies, analyses, and results. Redirecting your readers is a way of challenging them to take the information they get from your research study and apply them in real life. This strategy can also be approached by proposing a course of action for further studies or solutions to an existing issue.

Challenging your own conclusion

Also called the “so what" game, this strategy requires challenging your own ideas by asking yourself “So what?" while you are in the process of developing your conclusion. Once you are done putting your conclusion to paper, go through it with someone who will challenge what you wrote (The Writing Center UNC, n.d.). You can ask a friend to read your conclusion with you and have them ask “So what?" after every statement. This strategy can help you find loopholes in your conclusion and refine it in the process.

Addressing limitations

This strategy implores you, the researcher, to identify the weak points in your research paper, which include the aspects where your argument is lacking, or if there are instances where your conclusion might be incorrect. This strategy is useful in writing a conclusion of research for scientific papers as well as experiments (Writing Tutorial Services, Indiana University, n.d.).

Demonstrating ideas to create a new picture or meaning

All relevant data must be interpreted in appropriate depth. Explain how the methodologies or mechanisms used as well as your observations that help arrive at your study’s results. There are times when your study may not yield the results you expected. In cases such as this, explain to your readers why this may have happened. If the results are in line with your expectations, proceed to describe your theory supported by your evidence (Caprette, 1995).

Posing questions

Research studies are motivated by questions. Posing research questions , either to your readers or in general, may help your readers gain a new perspective on the topic, which they may not have held before reading your conclusion. It may also bring your main points together to create or develop a new idea from your research study.

What to Avoid Including in Your Conclusion

Coming up with an effective conclusion includes avoiding approaches that can hinder you from developing a compelling concluding section of your research paper. Here are some of the strategies to avoid when you are writing your research paper conclusion:

Generic and obvious opening phrases

Do not start your conclusion with generic phrases, such as “In conclusion," “In summary," “In closing," etc. While this may be an effective transition during an oral presentation, it does not work the same way on actual paper where your readers can tell exactly which part of your paper they are reading.

Adding new information

The conclusion part of your research paper should have room for any information relevant to your study but is not referenced anywhere else in your research paper. All significant information should be in the body. Conclusion is not the appropriate section to introduce new information as it is where you are supposed to communicate with your readers the value of your research study.

Long and elaborate discussion

Your research paper’s conclusion must be concise and straightforward. Avoid dwelling on descriptions and interpretations that should have been in the body of your paper, including discussing methodologies and results of your studies in detail. While a brief summary of your study is included in your conclusion, the focus should be more about the insights, evaluations, implications, etc., drawn from your study (Sacred Heart University Library, n.d.).

Apologizing

As you reach the concluding part of your research paper, you may have doubts regarding your research paper. You may question yourself if you have done enough work and may feel compelled to apologize. Do not undermine your authority over your research by expressing doubts regarding your approach and apologizing for not being able to include other methodologies that you may deem to be better than yours. You are aware that you have immersed yourself in your research and have covered all the bases to produce a sound and well-backed research study.

Appealing to your readers’ emotions

Your conclusion, just like the rest of your research paper, is meant to be analytical, not emotional. Avoid making sentimental statements to appeal to your readers’ emotions as this has the tendency to fall out of character with what should be a logical and scientific research study (The Writing Center UNC, n.d.).

Picking the Right Strategy to Use in Writing Your Paper’s Conclusion

• Baron, M. (2008). Guidelines for Writing Research Proposals and Dissertations . Vermillion, SD: University of South Dakota. Academia.edu
• CRLS (2018, April). Writing a conclusion tip sheet 18. CRLS Research Guide . Cambridge, MA: Cambridge Rindge and Latin School .
• Caprette, D. R. (1995, August 25). Writing research papers . Houston, TX: Rice University .
• Derntl, M. (2014). Basics of research paper writing and publishing. International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 6 (2), 105. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijtel.2014.066856
• Faryadi, Q. (2012). How to write your PhD proposal: A step-by-step guide. American International Journal of Contemporary Research, 2  (4), 111-115. https://bit.ly/30IGRcV
• Holewa, R. (2004, February 19). Strategies for writing a conclusion . St. Cloud, MN: St. Cloud State University and Literacy Education Online .
• Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center. (2004, October 4). Conclusions . Clinton, NY: Hamilton College .
• Peter, V. J. (2017). Unit 3 Writing a research paper . New Delhi, India: IGNOU The People’s University .
• Peter, V. J. (2017). Unit 4 Presentation of research paper . New Delhi, India:  IGNOU The People’s University .
• Powner, L.C. (2017). Writing up your Research. In Empirical Research and Writing: A Political Science Student’s Practical Guide (pp. 206-221). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483395906
• Purdue OWL. (n.d.). Conclusions . Purdue Online Writing Lab . Indianapolis, IN: Purdue University .
• Purdue OWL. (n.d.). Writing a research paper . Purdue Online Writing Lab . Indianapolis, IN: Purdue University .
• Purdue University. (n.d.). Writing Process . Indianapolis, IN: Purdue Global Campus .
• Sacred Heart University Library. (2020, January 28). Organizing academic research papers: 9. The conclusion. Research Guides at Sacred Heart University . Fairfield, CT:  Sacred Heart University .
• Sherlock, K. J. (2016, January 16). Three styles of conclusion . El Cajon, CA: Grossmont College .
• Soler-Monreal, C. 2019. Rhetorical strategies in PhD conclusions of computer science. Spanish Journal of Applied Linguistics , 32 (1), 356-384. https://doi.org/10.1075/resla.16034.sol
• Walden University (n.d.). Writing a paper: Conclusions.  Academic Guides . Minneapolis, MN:  Walden University .
• The Writing Center (n.d.).  Conclusions . Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill .
• Writing Tutorial Services (n.d.). Writing Conclusions . Bloomington, IN: Indiana University .

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How to Write Conclusion in Research Paper (With Example)

Writing a strong conclusion is a crucial part of any research paper. It provides a final opportunity to summarize your key findings, restate your thesis, and leave a lasting impression on your reader. However, many students struggle with how to effectively write a conclusion that ties everything together.

In this article, we’ll provide some tips and strategies for writing a compelling conclusion, along with an example to help illustrate the process. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your research paper ends on a high note and leaves a lasting impact on your audience.

Why Conclusion is Important in Research Paper

The conclusion is the final chapter of your research paper journey, sealing the deal on all your hard work. After thoroughly laying out your main points and arguments in the body paragraphs, the conclusion gives you a chance to tie everything together into a neat, cohesive package.

More than just summarizing your key ideas, an effective conclusion shows readers the bigger picture of your research and why it matters. It highlights the significance of your findings , explains how your work contributes to the field, and points to potential future directions stemming from your study.

The conclusion is your last chance to leave a lasting impact and compel readers to seriously consider your perspective. With the right phrasing and tone, you can amplify the power of your work. Choose your words wisely, be persuasive yet diplomatic, and guide readers to walk away feeling satisfied by your reasoning and conclusions.

Approach the conclusion thoughtfully, reflect deeply on the larger meaning of your research, and craft impactful final sentences that linger in the reader’s mind. Wield your conclusion skillfully to make your research paper transformative and memorable. A powerful, thoughtful conclusion inspires action, sparks curiosity, and showcases the valuable insights you bring to the academic conversation.

How to Write Conclusion for a Research Paper

Crafting an effective conclusion in research paper requires thoughtful consideration and deliberate effort. After presenting your findings and analysis, the conclusion allows you to close your work with a flourish.

Begin by briefly summarizing the main points of your paper, provide a quick recap of your thesis, methodology, and key findings without repeating too much details from the body. Use this as an opportunity to reinforce your main argument and position within the field.

Next, highlight the significance and implications of your research. What new insights or perspectives does your work contribute? Discuss how your findings can inform future studies or practical applications. Convey why your research matters and how it moves the needle forward in your discipline.

Address any limitations of the current study and propose potential next steps that could be taken by you or other scholars to further the research. This shows readers you have critically considered ways to continue expanding knowledge in this area.

Finally, close with a memorable statement that captures the essence of your work and leaves a lasting impression. This could be an apt metaphor, a call to action, or a thought provoking question for readers to ponder. Choose words that will resonate with your audience and demonstrate the impact of your research.

With care and creativity, your conclusion can elevate your paper and cement your scholarly authority. Revisit often as you write to ensure your conclusion accomplishes its purpose, to convince readers of the value of your study and ignite further progress in your field.

What Not to Include in a Research Paper Conclusion

1. New Data: In a research paper conclusion, avoid presenting new data or evidence that wasn’t discussed earlier in the paper. It’s the time to summarize, analyze, or explain the significance of data already provided, not to introduce new material.

2. Irrelevant Details: The conclusion is not the spot for extraneous details not directly related to your research or its findings. Be focused and concise, tying up the paper neatly without going off-target.

3. Personal Opinions: Try not to include personal beliefs or subjective opinions unless your paper calls for it. Stick to empirical evidence, facts, and objective interpretation of your research.

4. Vague Summarization: While summarizing is the essence of a conclusion, too much of a broad or vague narrative should be avoided. Your conclusion shouldn’t be a generalization of the research but should specifically state your significant findings and their implications.

5. Overstating Results: No matter how exhilarating your research may be, don’t exaggerate its implications or general applications. Remember to acknowledge limitations or potential areas for future exploration.

6. Procrastinating: Refrain from leaving unresolved issues for future research. The conclusion is meant to tie up loose ends, not create more.

7. Repetition: While some reiteration is necessary, completely repeating the same phrases and points made previously can make your conclusion sound boring and redundant. Instead, try to look at your argument from a fresh, summarized perspective.

8. Apologies: Do not apologize or discredit your research efforts. Avoid phrases like, “This research was only” or “Although the study wasn’t able to prove”. A conclusion should confidently present your research results even if they’re unexpected or differ from your hypothesis.

9. Impractical Recommendations: While it’s often good to suggest directions for future research, don’t go overboard by proposing impractical or unachievable goals. Keep your recommendations relevant to your findings and within the realm of possibility.

10. Too Much Jargon: While it’s appropriate to use technical language throughout your research paper, remember the conclusion might be what a layman reads. Stick with a happy medium of professional lingo intermixed with understandable, plain language.

Also Check:   Conclusion for Internship Report

Conclusion in research Example

Research: Impact of Social Media Use on Adolescent Mental Health.

In conclusion, this study has demonstrated the significant impact of social media use on adolescent mental health. Our findings indicate that frequent social media use is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, particularly among girls. These results underscore the need for continued research in this area, as well as the development of interventions and strategies to promote healthy social media use among young people. By addressing this issue, we can help to ensure the well-being and success of the next generation.

Conclusion in Research Paper Example

Research: Impact of climate change on coral reefs in Florida.

In conclusion, the effect of climate change on Florida’s coral reefs presents a significant concern for the state’s ecosystem and economy. The data collected during this investigation reveal a direct correlation between rising ocean temperatures and coral bleaching events. This pattern has increased over the past decade, indicating that coral reefs’ health directly correlates with climate change effects.

Example Conclusion in Research

Research: The Influence of Social Media on Consumer Buying Behavior

Social media significantly shapes consumer buying behavior. Its power to influence is seen through peer opinions, online advertising, and brand communication. However, with the potential for misinformation, the reliability and quality of information are areas for further study. Despite these concerns, businesses leveraging social media can effectively boost their market reach and sales.

Research Paper Conclusion

Research: Impacts of Remote Work on Employee Productivity

Remote work has been found to notably enhance employee productivity. The elimination of commuting time, flexible scheduling, and comforting environment contribute to this increase. However, factors like home distractions and technological difficulties offer room for further research. Yet, integrating remote work can be a strategic pathway towards improved efficiency and workforce satisfaction.

These examples demonstrate techniques for crafting an effective conclusion in a research paper, providing your thesis with a powerful final statement. Now it is your turn to compose a strong concluding paragraph that summarizes your findings, reinforces your central argument, and leaves readers with a memorable takeaway.

Remember to restate your thesis without repeating it verbatim, highlight your main points without introducing new evidence, and end on a note that conveys the significance of your research. With a clear structure and purpose, proper grammar, and impactful writing, you can give your paper the persuasive conclusion it deserves.

Writing an effective conclusion takes practice, but by honing these skills you will elevate your academic writing to new heights. Use the strategies outlined here as a guide, believe in your capabilities, and soon you will be adept at concluding research papers powerfully. The final paragraph is your last chance to impress readers, so make it count!

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How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

Table of Contents

Writing a conclusion for a research paper is a critical step that often determines the overall impact and impression the paper leaves on the reader. While some may view the conclusion as a mere formality, it is actually an opportunity to wrap up the main points, provide closure, and leave a lasting impression. In this article, we will explore the importance of a well-crafted conclusion and discuss various tips and strategies to help you write an engaging and impactful conclusion for your research paper.

Introduction

Before delving into the specifics of writing a conclusion, it is important to understand why it is such a crucial component of a research paper. The conclusion serves to summarize the main points of the paper and reemphasize their significance. A well-written conclusion can leave the reader satisfied and inspired, while a poorly executed one may undermine the credibility of the entire paper. Therefore, it is essential to give careful thought and attention to crafting an effective conclusion.

When writing a research paper, the conclusion acts as the final destination for the reader. It is the point where all the information, arguments, and evidence presented throughout the paper converge. Just as a traveler reaches the end of a journey, the reader reaches the conclusion to find closure and a sense of fulfillment. This is why the conclusion should not be taken lightly; it is a critical opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the reader.

Moreover, the conclusion is not merely a repetition of the introduction or a summary of the main points. It goes beyond that by providing a deeper understanding of the research findings and their implications. It allows the writer to reflect on the significance of their work and its potential contributions to the field. By doing so, the conclusion elevates the research paper from a mere collection of facts to a thought-provoking piece of scholarship.

In the following sections, we will explore various strategies and techniques for crafting a compelling conclusion. By understanding the importance of the conclusion and learning how to write one effectively, you will be equipped to create impactful research papers.

Structuring the Conclusion

In order to create an effective conclusion, it is important to consider its structure. A well-structured conclusion should begin by restating the thesis statement and summarizing the main points of the paper. It should then move on to provide a concise synthesis of the key findings and arguments, highlighting their implications and relevance. Finally, the conclusion should end with a thought-provoking statement that leaves the reader with a lasting impression.

Additionally, using phrases like "this research demonstrates," "the findings show," or "it is clear that" can help to highlight the significance of your research and emphasize your main conclusions.

Tips for Writing an Engaging Conclusion

Writing an engaging conclusion requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you create an impactful conclusion for your research paper:

• Revisit the Introduction: Start your conclusion by referencing your introduction. Remind the reader of the research question or problem you initially posed and show how your research has addressed it.
• Summarize Your Main Points: Provide a concise summary of the main points and arguments presented in your paper. Be sure to restate your thesis statement and highlight the key findings.
• Offer a Fresh Perspective: Use the conclusion as an opportunity to provide a fresh perspective or offer insights that go beyond the main body of the paper. This will leave the reader with something new to consider.
• Leave a Lasting Impression: End your conclusion with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action. This will leave a lasting impression on the reader and encourage further exploration of the research topic.

Addressing Counter Arguments In Conclusion

While crafting your conclusion, you can address any potential counterarguments or limitations of your research. This will demonstrate that you have considered alternative perspectives and have taken them into account in your conclusions. By acknowledging potential counterarguments, you can strengthen the credibility and validity of your research. And by openly discussing limitations, you demonstrate transparency and honesty in your research process.

Language and Tone To Be Used In Conclusion

The language and tone of your conclusion play a crucial role in shaping the overall impression of your research paper. It is important to use clear and concise language that is appropriate for the academic context. Avoid using overly informal or colloquial language that may undermine the credibility of your research. Additionally, consider the tone of your conclusion – it should be professional, confident, and persuasive, while still maintaining a respectful and objective tone.

When it comes to the language used in your conclusion, precision is key. You want to ensure that your ideas are communicated effectively and that there is no room for misinterpretation. Using clear and concise language will not only make your conclusion easier to understand but will also demonstrate your command of the subject matter.

Furthermore, it is important to strike the right balance between formality and accessibility. While academic writing typically requires a more formal tone, you should still aim to make your conclusion accessible to a wider audience. This means avoiding jargon or technical terms that may confuse readers who are not familiar with the subject matter. Instead, opt for language that is clear and straightforward, allowing anyone to grasp the main points of your research.

Another aspect to consider is the tone of your conclusion. The tone should reflect the confidence you have in your research findings and the strength of your argument. By adopting a professional and confident tone, you are more likely to convince your readers of the validity and importance of your research. However, it is crucial to strike a balance and avoid sounding arrogant or dismissive of opposing viewpoints. Maintaining a respectful and objective tone will help you engage with your audience in a more persuasive manner.

Moreover, the tone of your conclusion should align with the overall tone of your research paper. Consistency in tone throughout your paper will create a cohesive and unified piece of writing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Writing a Conclusion

When writing a conclusion, there are several common mistakes that researchers often make. By being aware of these pitfalls, you can avoid them and create a more effective conclusion for your research paper. Some common mistakes include:

• Repeating the Introduction: A conclusion should not simply be a reworded version of the introduction. While it is important to revisit the main points, try to present them in a fresh and broader perspective, by foregrounding the implications/impacts of your research.
• Introducing New Information: The conclusion should not introduce any new information or arguments. Instead, it should focus on summarizing and synthesizing the main points presented in the paper.
• Being Vague or General: Avoid using vague or general statements in your conclusion. Instead, be specific and provide concrete examples or evidence to support your main points.
• Ending Abruptly: A conclusion should provide a sense of closure and completeness. Avoid ending your conclusion abruptly or leaving the reader with unanswered questions.

Editing and Revising the Conclusion

Just like the rest of your research paper, the conclusion should go through a thorough editing and revising process. This will help to ensure clarity, coherence, and impact in the conclusion. As you revise your conclusion, consider the following:

• Check for Consistency: Ensure that your conclusion aligns with the main body of the paper and does not introduce any new or contradictory information.
• Eliminate Redundancy: Remove any repetitive or redundant information in your conclusion. Instead, focus on presenting the key points in a concise and engaging manner.
• Proofread for Clarity: Read your conclusion aloud or ask someone else to read it to ensure that it is clear and understandable. Check for any grammatical or spelling errors that may distract the reader.
• Seek Feedback: Consider sharing your conclusion with peers or mentors to get their feedback and insights. This can help you strengthen your conclusion and make it more impactful.

How to Write Conclusion as a Call to Action

Finally, consider using your conclusion as a call to action. Encourage the reader to take further action, such as conducting additional research or considering the implications of your findings. By providing a clear call to action, you can inspire the reader to actively engage with your research and continue the conversation on the topic.

Adapting to Different Research Paper Types

It is important to adapt your conclusion approach based on the type of research paper you are writing. Different research paper types may require different strategies and approaches to writing the conclusion. For example, a scientific research paper may focus more on summarizing the key findings and implications, while a persuasive research paper may emphasize the call to action and the potential impact of the research. Tailor your conclusion to suit the specific goals and requirements of your research paper.

Final Thoughts

A well-crafted conclusion can leave a lasting impression on the reader and enhance the impact of your research. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you can create an engaging and impactful conclusion that effectively summarizes your main points, addresses potential counterarguments, and leaves the reader with a sense of closure and inspiration. Embrace the importance of the conclusion and view it as an opportunity to showcase the significance and relevance of your research.

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Writing a Paper: Conclusions

Writing a conclusion.

A conclusion is an important part of the paper; it provides closure for the reader while reminding the reader of the contents and importance of the paper. It accomplishes this by stepping back from the specifics in order to view the bigger picture of the document. In other words, it is reminding the reader of the main argument. For most course papers, it is usually one paragraph that simply and succinctly restates the main ideas and arguments, pulling everything together to help clarify the thesis of the paper. A conclusion does not introduce new ideas; instead, it should clarify the intent and importance of the paper. It can also suggest possible future research on the topic.

An Easy Checklist for Writing a Conclusion

It is important to remind the reader of the thesis of the paper so he is reminded of the argument and solutions you proposed.

Think of the main points as puzzle pieces, and the conclusion is where they all fit together to create a bigger picture. The reader should walk away with the bigger picture in mind.

Make sure that the paper places its findings in the context of real social change.

Make sure the reader has a distinct sense that the paper has come to an end. It is important to not leave the reader hanging. (You don’t want her to have flip-the-page syndrome, where the reader turns the page, expecting the paper to continue. The paper should naturally come to an end.)

No new ideas should be introduced in the conclusion. It is simply a review of the material that is already present in the paper. The only new idea would be the suggesting of a direction for future research.

Conclusion Example

As addressed in my analysis of recent research, the advantages of a later starting time for high school students significantly outweigh the disadvantages. A later starting time would allow teens more time to sleep--something that is important for their physical and mental health--and ultimately improve their academic performance and behavior. The added transportation costs that result from this change can be absorbed through energy savings. The beneficial effects on the students’ academic performance and behavior validate this decision, but its effect on student motivation is still unknown. I would encourage an in-depth look at the reactions of students to such a change. This sort of study would help determine the actual effects of a later start time on the time management and sleep habits of students.

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How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper: Examples & Tips

You might be wondering about how to write a conclusion paragraph for a research paper. It may seem like your readers should understand your main arguments by the end, so there is no need for it. However, there are several aspects that prove the importance of a conclusion section in research.

Its first and primary function is, of course, a summary of all the main ideas and evidence in the paper. Sometimes research can be quite lengthy so putting all the thoughts you want to share in one place is very handy. Moreover, the conclusion shows how important your work is and suggests new ways of looking at the problem.

Our guide and research paper conclusion example are here to help you with your assignment!

• ❗ Importance of a Conclusion
• 👣 Writing Steps
• 📑 Conclusion Types & Examples
• ❌ Common Mistakes

🔗 References

❗ importance of a conclusion in a research paper.

A conclusion intends to remind the readers about the main arguments and findings of the whole paper. However, it also highlights the significance of the work. Both these functions help create a long-lasting, memorable impression from your research paper , so always include this part and try to think of the ways to make it even more effective.

Since having a strong concluding paragraph is so crucial for the overall success, you might want to check out a step-by-step guide on writing it. It can assure you don’t miss any vital moments. Moreover, you need to find out what conclusion type would be the best!

👣 How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper Step by Step

Below are only a few simple steps that can allow you to write the most persuasive research paper.

📑 Types & Examples of Research Paper Conclusions

You may be assigned to write a persuasive or argumentative paper. Or your professor might ask you to develop an analytical or comparative research paper.

Should you write their conclusions in the same way? The answer is “No”. When you write different types of assignments, you need different conclusions.

Argumentative Research Paper Conclusion

To write an excellent argumentative paper conclusion, you need to highlight the most persuasive and strong arguments you have — no need to add many details. In addition, don’t forget you should include the essential components of the conclusion, such as paraphrasing your thesis statement, which points out your opinion on the chosen topic. If you used a strong thesis statement generator , it won’t be hard to do.

Argumentative Research Paper Conclusion Example

Right now, Earth is facing the issue of the sixth extinction, which causes numerous species to fade every day. There are at least three ideas people might use to prevent their total extinction in the next fifty years. More ways of recycling, new approaches to plastic production, and conservation of species could be life-saving.

Analytical Research Paper Conclusion

First, you should restate your thesis statement and summarize the critical points of your arguments. The main difference between the analytical research paper conclusion and other types is that there should definitely be a highlight of a broader context. It means you can add some meaning to the findings.

Analytical Research Paper Conclusion Example

Elon Musk has made a revolution in the way we pay, drive, and even fly. His ideas come only from the desire to make things easier, but eventually, they change the world. Musk first thought about PayPal when he was a student, and now it’s one of the most popular online payment systems. The same with Tesla cars.

Comparative Research Paper Conclusion

An effective comparative paper conclusion requires some analytical skills. You need to be very careful in looking through facts to clearly formulate your findings. Moreover, the sources need to be trustworthy. And, as usual, you need to add a paraphrased thesis statement and a few words about the importance of your study research.

Comparative Research Paper Conclusion Example

Electric cars are proven to be more efficient and effective than gas cars. Not only do they produce fewer emissions, but the drivers reach their destination point faster. Moreover, gas cars are more expensive to maintain. It all derives from the specifics of the electric cars’ engines, which are much simpler.

❌ Common Mistakes You Should Avoid

Are you ready to pass your writing? Wait! Have you checked it for the most common mistakes? If no, below are several general errors you should avoid.

• The Conclusion – Organizing Academic Research Papers
• Conclusions – UNC Writing Center
• Conclusions // Purdue Writing Lab
• Writing the conclusion – Research & Learning Online
• Writing a Research Paper – The Writing Center – UW–Madison
• How to Structure & Organize Your Paper
• Writing Conclusions: Writing Guides
• Ending the Essay: Conclusions
• Tips for Writing Policy Papers – Stanford Law School
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Good Conclusion

Ai generator.

As writers, we strive to engage our readers and leave a lasting impact on them. One crucial element of achieving this is crafting a strong conclusion. A good conclusion serves as the final chance to drive home the main points, provide a sense of closure, and leave a lasting impression on the reader. In this article , we will delve into what constitutes a good conclusion , the step-by-step guide to writing one, and explore some examples to help you master this essential skill.

What is a Good Conclusion?

A good conclusion effectively wraps up an essay by summarizing the main points, restating the thesis in a new way, and providing a final thought or call to action. It should give the reader a sense of closure and leave a lasting impression. A good conclusion connects back to the introduction, uses concise language, and avoids introducing new information.

Examples of Good Conclusion for Essays

Writing a strong conclusion helps to effectively wrap up your essay and leaves a lasting impression on your reader. Here are a few examples of good conclusions for different types of essays:

1. Persuasive Essay Conclusion

Topic: The Importance of Renewable Energy In conclusion, transitioning to renewable energy sources is not just an option but a necessity. The evidence is clear: fossil fuels are depleting, and their continued use poses a grave threat to our environment. By investing in renewable energy, we can ensure a sustainable future, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come. The time to act is now; we owe it to ourselves and to future generations to embrace renewable energy and pave the way for a brighter, greener future.

2. Analytical Essay Conclusion

Topic: The Symbolism in “The Great Gatsby” In conclusion, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is a profound exploration of the American Dream’s complexities and pitfalls. Through the use of symbolism, Fitzgerald highlights the illusion of wealth and the moral decay hidden behind the facade of opulence. The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock, the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, and the Valley of Ashes all serve to underscore the novel’s central themes. Ultimately, “The Great Gatsby” serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and the hollow pursuit of material success.

3. Expository Essay Conclusion

Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Society In conclusion, social media has transformed the way we communicate, connect, and interact with the world around us. While it offers numerous benefits, such as instant communication and access to information, it also poses significant challenges, including privacy concerns and the spread of misinformation. By understanding both the positive and negative impacts of social media, we can better navigate its complexities and harness its potential for good. It is crucial for individuals and society to use social media responsibly and thoughtfully to maximize its benefits while minimizing its drawbacks.

4. Narrative Essay Conclusion

Topic: A Life-Changing Experience In conclusion, the summer I spent volunteering at the local animal shelter changed my life in ways I never imagined. It taught me the value of compassion, the importance of community, and the profound impact of small acts of kindness. The relationships I formed with the animals and the people I met have left an indelible mark on my heart. This experience has not only shaped my perspective but has also inspired me to continue giving back to my community. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected moments that teach us the most valuable lessons.

5. Argumentative Essay Conclusion

Topic: The Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet In conclusion, adopting a plant-based diet offers numerous benefits for personal health, the environment, and animal welfare. The research is conclusive: a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, lower our carbon footprint, and prevent animal cruelty. While making the transition may require effort and adjustment, the rewards are well worth it. By choosing a plant-based diet, we take a powerful step towards a healthier, more sustainable, and compassionate world.

Examples of Good Conclusion for Informative Essay

A strong conclusion for an informative essay summarizes the key points, reinforces the importance of the topic, and leaves the reader with a final thought or call to action. Here are a few examples of good conclusions for different informative essay topics:

1. Conclusion on the Importance of Recycling

In conclusion, recycling is a crucial practice that benefits both the environment and the economy. By reusing materials, we reduce the need for raw resources, decrease pollution, and conserve energy. The evidence clearly shows that communities with robust recycling programs experience significant environmental and financial gains. As individuals, we can contribute by being mindful of our waste and actively participating in recycling initiatives. Together, we can make a significant impact and move towards a more sustainable future.

2. Conclusion on the History of the Internet

In conclusion, the internet has revolutionized the way we live, work, and communicate. From its early days as a military project to its current status as a global network, the internet’s development has been marked by rapid innovation and expansion. Understanding its history helps us appreciate the technological advancements and societal changes it has brought about. As we move forward, it is essential to continue fostering an open and accessible internet that can adapt to future challenges and opportunities.

3. Conclusion on the Benefits of Regular Exercise

In conclusion, regular exercise is vital for maintaining physical and mental health. It helps prevent chronic diseases, boosts mood, and improves overall quality of life. Incorporating physical activity into our daily routine can lead to long-term health benefits and a more active lifestyle. Whether it’s through sports, gym workouts, or simple activities like walking, making exercise a priority is a step towards a healthier and happier life. Let’s commit to staying active and reaping the numerous benefits of regular exercise.

4. Conclusion on the Effects of Global Warming

In conclusion, global warming is an urgent issue that requires immediate attention and action. The rising temperatures, melting ice caps, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events are clear indicators of its impact. Addressing global warming involves both individual efforts and collective action on a global scale. By reducing our carbon footprint, supporting renewable energy sources, and advocating for environmental policies, we can mitigate the effects of global warming and protect our planet for future generations. The time to act is now.

5. Conclusion on the Role of Technology in Education

In conclusion, technology has transformed education by enhancing learning experiences, providing access to vast resources, and enabling personalized instruction. The integration of digital tools in the classroom has made education more interactive and engaging for students. However, it is essential to address challenges such as digital divide and ensure that all students have access to technology. By leveraging the power of technology responsibly, we can create a more inclusive and effective educational environment that prepares students for the future.

Examples of Good Conclusion for Argumentative Essay

A strong conclusion for an argumentative essay should restate the thesis, summarize the main points, and leave the reader with a lasting impression or call to action. Here are a few examples of good conclusions for different argumentative essay topics:

1. Conclusion on the Legalization of Marijuana

In conclusion, the legalization of marijuana presents numerous benefits, including medical advantages, economic growth, and the reduction of crime rates. By regulating marijuana like alcohol, we can ensure safe use while reaping substantial tax revenues. The evidence clearly supports that the benefits outweigh the risks, making a compelling case for nationwide legalization. It is time for lawmakers to listen to the growing body of research and public opinion, and to take action towards a more rational and just drug policy.

2. Conclusion on the Death Penalty

In conclusion, the death penalty is an inhumane and ineffective form of punishment that fails to deter crime more effectively than life imprisonment. The risk of executing innocent people and the high costs associated with capital punishment further highlight its flaws. Society should focus on restorative justice and rehabilitation rather than retribution. Abolishing the death penalty would be a significant step towards a more ethical and equitable justice system.

3. Conclusion on School Uniforms

In conclusion, mandatory school uniforms are a beneficial policy that promotes equality, reduces distractions, and fosters a sense of community within schools. By leveling the playing field, uniforms can help eliminate social pressure and bullying based on appearance. While some argue that uniforms suppress individuality, the advantages in creating a focused and respectful learning environment are substantial. Schools should adopt uniform policies to enhance the educational experience for all students.

4. Conclusion on Climate Change Action

In conclusion, urgent action on climate change is imperative to prevent catastrophic environmental, economic, and social consequences. The overwhelming scientific consensus confirms that human activities are driving global warming, necessitating immediate and sustained efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Investing in renewable energy, implementing strict environmental regulations, and promoting sustainable practices are crucial steps. It is the responsibility of individuals, businesses, and governments to act now to safeguard our planet for future generations.

5. Conclusion on Animal Testing

In conclusion, animal testing is an outdated and unethical practice that should be replaced with more humane and scientifically advanced alternatives. Modern methods such as in vitro testing and computer modeling provide more accurate and humane options for scientific research. The suffering inflicted on animals cannot be justified when viable alternatives exist. It is time for the scientific community and regulatory agencies to embrace these alternatives and put an end to animal testing.

Examples of Good Conclusion for Persuasive Essay

A strong conclusion for a persuasive essay should restate the thesis, summarize the main arguments, and leave the reader with a compelling final thought or call to action. Here are a few examples of good conclusions for different persuasive essay topics:

In conclusion, recycling is not just an environmental responsibility but a necessary action for the sustainability of our planet. By reducing waste, conserving natural resources, and decreasing pollution, recycling plays a crucial role in protecting our environment. The evidence is overwhelming: communities that prioritize recycling see significant economic and environmental benefits. It’s time for all of us to commit to recycling and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for future generations.

2. Conclusion on the Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

In conclusion, adopting a plant-based diet offers numerous health benefits, environmental advantages, and ethical improvements. Research shows that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, lower our carbon footprint, and prevent animal suffering. Making the switch to a plant-based diet may require some adjustment, but the positive impacts are well worth it. Let’s embrace this healthier, more sustainable way of living for ourselves and for the planet.

3. Conclusion on the Necessity of School Uniforms

In conclusion, implementing school uniforms is a beneficial policy that fosters equality, reduces distractions, and enhances school spirit. Uniforms help to eliminate socioeconomic disparities and create a focused learning environment. While some may argue that uniforms suppress individuality, the overall advantages they provide in promoting discipline and unity are undeniable. Schools should adopt uniform policies to create a more inclusive and productive educational experience for all students.

4. Conclusion on the Importance of Voting

In conclusion, voting is a fundamental right and a crucial duty of every citizen in a democracy. It is through voting that we can influence government policies, hold leaders accountable, and shape the future of our society. The power of a single vote can determine the outcome of elections and drive meaningful change. Therefore, it is essential for everyone to participate in the electoral process and make their voices heard. Let’s honor our democratic responsibilities and ensure a better future by voting in every election.

5. Conclusion on the Dangers of Smoking

In conclusion, smoking poses severe health risks and has detrimental effects on both individuals and society. The link between smoking and diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues is well-documented. Quitting smoking not only improves personal health but also reduces healthcare costs and increases productivity. It is imperative for smokers to seek help and for society to support anti-smoking initiatives. By working together, we can reduce the prevalence of smoking and create a healthier, smoke-free world.

Examples of Good Conclusion for Research Paper

A strong conclusion for a research paper should restate the main findings, summarize the significance of the research, and suggest possible implications or future research directions. Here are a few examples of good conclusions for different research paper topics:

1. Conclusion on the Impact of Climate Change

In conclusion, this research underscores the profound impact of climate change on global ecosystems and human societies. The data reveals a consistent trend of rising temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, and significant disruptions to natural habitats. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive climate policies and global cooperation to mitigate the effects of climate change. Future research should focus on developing adaptive strategies and exploring innovative technologies to address this pressing issue. Only through concerted efforts can we hope to safeguard our planet for future generations.

2. Conclusion on the Effects of Social Media on Mental Health

In conclusion, the study illustrates a complex relationship between social media use and mental health. While social media can foster connections and provide support, excessive use is linked to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. These findings emphasize the importance of promoting balanced and mindful use of social media. Future research should explore intervention strategies to mitigate the negative impacts and further investigate the long-term effects of social media on mental health. By understanding these dynamics, we can better support individuals in navigating the digital age.

3. Conclusion on Renewable Energy Adoption

In conclusion, this research highlights the significant benefits and challenges associated with the adoption of renewable energy sources. The transition to renewables offers substantial environmental advantages, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and decreased reliance on fossil fuels. However, economic and infrastructural barriers must be addressed to facilitate widespread adoption. Policymakers should prioritize investment in renewable energy infrastructure and create incentives to encourage both consumers and businesses to transition to cleaner energy options. Future research should focus on developing cost-effective technologies and strategies to overcome these barriers.

4. Conclusion on the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

In conclusion, the research demonstrates the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. AI technologies can enhance diagnostic accuracy, personalize treatment plans, and improve patient outcomes. However, ethical considerations, data privacy concerns, and the need for rigorous validation of AI tools remain critical challenges. To fully realize the benefits of AI in healthcare, stakeholders must collaborate to address these issues and ensure that AI applications are both effective and equitable. Future research should explore the integration of AI with existing healthcare systems and its long-term impact on patient care.

5. Conclusion on the Economic Impact of E-commerce

In conclusion, the study reveals the profound economic impact of e-commerce on global markets. E-commerce has revolutionized retail by increasing accessibility, reducing costs, and driving innovation. The findings suggest that businesses must adapt to this digital shift by enhancing their online presence and leveraging data analytics to understand consumer behavior. Policymakers should support e-commerce growth through favorable regulations and infrastructure development. Future research should investigate the evolving trends in e-commerce and their implications for traditional retail models.

Examples of Good Conclusions for Speech

A strong conclusion for a speech should restate the main points, leave a lasting impression, and call the audience to action or reflection. Here are a few examples of good conclusions for different types of speeches:

1. Conclusion for a Motivational Speech

In conclusion, each of us has the power to overcome obstacles and achieve our dreams. We’ve explored the importance of perseverance, the value of setting goals, and the impact of maintaining a positive mindset. Remember, challenges are opportunities in disguise, and your determination can turn dreams into reality. Let’s embrace our potential, support each other, and strive for greatness every day. Together, we can create a future filled with success and fulfillment. Now, go out there and make it happen!

2. Conclusion for an Informative Speech

In conclusion, renewable energy is not just an option but a necessity for a sustainable future. We have examined the benefits of solar, wind, and hydro power, and their potential to reduce our carbon footprint. By investing in renewable energy, we can combat climate change, create jobs, and ensure a cleaner environment for future generations. It’s crucial that we continue to educate ourselves and advocate for policies that support renewable energy development. Let’s take the first step today by committing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

3. Conclusion for a Persuasive Speech

In conclusion, adopting a plant-based diet is a powerful way to improve our health, protect the environment, and reduce animal suffering. We’ve discussed the numerous benefits, from lower risks of chronic diseases to a smaller ecological footprint. I urge you to consider the impact of your dietary choices and make a conscious effort to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet. Small changes can lead to significant benefits for both you and the planet. Let’s work together to create a healthier, more compassionate world.

4. Conclusion for a Ceremonial Speech

In conclusion, as we celebrate this milestone, let’s take a moment to reflect on our journey and the hard work that brought us here. We’ve faced challenges, learned valuable lessons, and grown stronger together. As we move forward, let’s carry the spirit of determination and unity with us. Congratulations to each one of you on this remarkable achievement. May your future be filled with success, joy, and endless possibilities. Here’s to new beginnings and the exciting adventures that await!

5. Conclusion for an Inspirational Speech

In conclusion, the power of kindness and compassion cannot be overstated. Through our actions, we have the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others and create a ripple effect of goodwill. We’ve shared stories of remarkable individuals who have transformed their communities through simple acts of kindness. Let these stories inspire you to spread kindness in your daily life. Remember, a small gesture can have a profound impact. Let’s commit to making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.

Examples of Good Conclusion for Project

A strong conclusion for a project should summarize the key findings, emphasize the significance of the work, and suggest possible future directions or applications. Here are a few examples of good conclusions for different types of projects:

1. Conclusion for a Science Project

In conclusion, this project successfully demonstrated the effect of different fertilizers on plant growth. The data showed that organic fertilizers, such as compost, resulted in healthier and faster-growing plants compared to chemical fertilizers. These findings suggest that organic fertilizers are a more sustainable and eco-friendly option for promoting plant growth. Future research could explore the long-term effects of these fertilizers on soil health and productivity. This project highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices for a healthier environment.

2. Conclusion for a Business Project

In conclusion, our market analysis project has provided valuable insights into consumer behavior and preferences within the tech industry. The research indicates a growing demand for innovative and user-friendly products, with a particular emphasis on sustainability. By leveraging these insights, our company can tailor its product development and marketing strategies to meet the evolving needs of our target audience. Moving forward, it will be crucial to continuously monitor market trends and adapt our approaches accordingly to maintain a competitive edge.

3. Conclusion for an Environmental Project

In conclusion, this project has underscored the critical importance of wetland conservation. Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity, regulating water cycles, and providing habitat for numerous species. Our findings highlight the significant impact of human activities on wetland degradation and the urgent need for protective measures. Implementing conservation strategies, such as creating protected areas and restoring degraded wetlands, will be essential for preserving these ecosystems. Future efforts should focus on raising public awareness and fostering collaboration between stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of wetlands.

4. Conclusion for a Technology Project

In conclusion, the development of our mobile application has successfully addressed the need for a user-friendly platform to manage personal finances. The app’s features, including budgeting tools, expense tracking, and financial planning resources, have received positive feedback from test users. This project demonstrates the potential of technology to simplify financial management and empower individuals to make informed decisions. Future enhancements could include integrating AI for personalized financial advice and expanding the app’s accessibility features. The success of this project highlights the importance of continuous innovation in the tech industry.

5. Conclusion for a Community Service Project

In conclusion, our community service project has made a meaningful impact on the local homeless population by providing essential resources and support. Through collaboration with local shelters and volunteers, we distributed food, clothing, and hygiene kits, while also offering job placement assistance and mental health services. The positive feedback from recipients and the increased awareness within the community underscore the project’s success. To sustain these efforts, it will be important to secure ongoing funding and engage more community members in volunteer activities. This project has demonstrated the power of collective action in addressing social issues and improving lives.

More Good Conclusion Templates & Samples in PDF

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Characteristics of a Good Conclusion

A good conclusion is crucial in writing as it provides closure to the reader while reinforcing the main points of the text. Here are the key characteristics that define an effective conclusion:

1. Restates the Thesis

A strong conclusion should restate the thesis statement in a fresh way, reinforcing the main argument without simply repeating it verbatim.

2. Summarizes Key Points

The conclusion should summarize the key points discussed in the body of the text. This helps the reader recall the main arguments and understand how they support the thesis.

3. Provides Closure

A good conclusion provides a sense of closure, leaving the reader with a clear understanding that the discussion has come to an end. It ties up loose ends and resolves any remaining questions or issues.

4. Reflects on the Significance

It should reflect on the significance of the topic, explaining why it matters. This could involve discussing the broader implications, the importance of the findings, or future directions for research or action.

5. Encourages Further Thought

An effective conclusion can encourage the reader to continue thinking about the topic. This could be through posing a question, suggesting further reading, or highlighting the relevance of the discussion to the reader’s own life or the wider world.

6. Avoids Introducing New Information

Introducing new information in the conclusion can confuse the reader. A good conclusion focuses on summarizing and reflecting on what has already been discussed rather than presenting new ideas.

7. Uses a Strong Closing Sentence

The last sentence of the conclusion should be strong and memorable. This could be a call to action, a poignant quote, or a thought-provoking statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

8. Matches the Tone of the Essay

The conclusion should match the tone of the rest of the essay. Whether the tone is formal, informal, serious, or humorous, the conclusion should be consistent with the overall style of the text.

How to Write a Good Conclusion

Writing a good conclusion is essential for wrapping up your essay or paper effectively. A strong conclusion not only summarizes the main points but also leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Here are the steps to write a good conclusion:

1. Restate the Thesis

Begin by restating your thesis statement in a new way. This reminds the reader of your main argument without repeating it word for word.

2. Summarize Main Points

Briefly summarize the key points you made in the body of your essay. This helps reinforce your argument and reminds the reader of the evidence you presented.

3. Connect to the Introduction

Link your conclusion to the introduction by revisiting a theme, anecdote, or idea you introduced at the beginning. This creates a sense of closure and completeness.

4. Provide a Final Insight

Offer a final thought or insight related to your topic. This could be a call to action, a prediction, or a reflection on the broader implications of your argument.

5. Avoid Introducing New Information

Ensure that you do not introduce any new arguments, evidence, or points in the conclusion. The conclusion is for wrapping up your existing points, not for presenting new ones.

6. Use a Strong Final Sentence

End with a powerful, memorable sentence. This could be a thought-provoking quote, a call to action, or a rhetorical question that leaves the reader thinking about your topic.

How should I start a conclusion?

Begin by restating your thesis in a new way to remind the reader of your main argument without repeating it verbatim.

Can I introduce new information in the conclusion?

No, avoid introducing new arguments or evidence. The conclusion is for wrapping up your existing points.

What is the purpose of a conclusion?

The purpose is to summarize the main points, reinforce the thesis, and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

How can I make my conclusion impactful?

Use a strong final sentence, such as a thought-provoking quote, a call to action, or a rhetorical question.

How long should a conclusion be?

A conclusion should be concise, typically around 5-7 sentences, summarizing key points without being overly detailed.

Should I restate all my main points in the conclusion?

Briefly summarize the key points, focusing on the most important ones that support your thesis.

Is it necessary to connect the conclusion to the introduction?

Yes, linking the conclusion to the introduction creates a sense of closure and completeness, reinforcing your main themes.

Can I include a call to action in my conclusion?

Yes, a call to action can be effective, especially in persuasive essays, to encourage the reader to take specific steps.

What tone should I use in my conclusion?

Maintain a confident and clear tone, reinforcing your arguments and leaving a strong final impression on the reader.

How can I avoid a weak conclusion?

Avoid simply summarizing without adding any insight. Reinforce the significance of your argument and leave the reader with something to ponder.

Text prompt

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Romeo and Juliet — Romeo and Juliet Research Paper: The Tragedy of Love

Romeo and Juliet Research Paper: The Tragedy of Love

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The power of fate and free will, societal expectations and rebellion, the role of mercutio: comic relief or catalyst, bibliography.

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• Published: 12 June 2024

Identifying therapeutic target genes for migraine by systematic druggable genome-wide Mendelian randomization

• Chengcheng Zhang 1 ,
• Yiwei He 2 &

The Journal of Headache and Pain volume  25 , Article number:  100 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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Currently, the treatment and prevention of migraine remain highly challenging. Mendelian randomization (MR) has been widely used to explore novel therapeutic targets. Therefore, we performed a systematic druggable genome-wide MR to explore the potential therapeutic targets for migraine.

We obtained data on druggable genes and screened for genes within brain expression quantitative trait locis (eQTLs) and blood eQTLs, which were then subjected to two-sample MR analysis and colocalization analysis with migraine genome-wide association studies data to identify genes highly associated with migraine. In addition, phenome-wide research, enrichment analysis, protein network construction, drug prediction, and molecular docking were performed to provide valuable guidance for the development of more effective and targeted therapeutic drugs.

We identified 21 druggable genes significantly associated with migraine (BRPF3, CBFB, CDK4, CHD4, DDIT4, EP300, EPHA5, FGFRL1, FXN, HMGCR, HVCN1, KCNK5, MRGPRE, NLGN2, NR1D1, PLXNB1, TGFB1, TGFB3, THRA, TLN1 and TP53), two of which were significant in both blood and brain (HMGCR and TGFB3). The results of phenome-wide research showed that HMGCR was highly correlated with low-density lipoprotein, and TGFB3 was primarily associated with insulin-like growth factor 1 levels.

Conclusions

This study utilized MR and colocalization analysis to identify 21 potential drug targets for migraine, two of which were significant in both blood and brain. These findings provide promising leads for more effective migraine treatments, potentially reducing drug development costs.

Peer Review reports

Migraine is a prevalent chronic disease characterized by recurring headaches that are typically unilateral and throbbing, ranging from moderate to severe intensity, and often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, among other symptoms [ 1 ]. Migraine is recognized as the second most disabling condition globally, creating substantial challenges for those affected and also placing a considerable strain on society overall [ 2 ]. Genetic factors play a substantial role in migraine, with its heritability estimated to be as high as 57% [ 3 ].

Currently, the treatment and prevention of migraine remain highly challenging. Although new drugs (e.g. targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide, namely CGRP) have been developed, offering significant benefits to migraine sufferers, there are still many issues, such as side effects and less than ideal response rates [ 4 ]. Therefore, it is necessary to continue exploring potential therapeutic targets for migraine treatment. Integrating genetics into drug development may provide a novel approach. While genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are very effective in identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the risk of migraine [ 5 ], the GWAS method does not clearly and directly identify the causative genes or drive drug development without substantial downstream analyses [ 6 , 7 ].

Mendelian randomization (MR) is a method that utilizes genetic variation as instrumental variables (IVs) to uncover a causal connection between an exposure and an outcome [ 8 ]. MR analysis has been widely applied to discover new therapeutic targets by integrating summarized data from disease GWAS and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) studies [ 9 ]. The eQTLs found in the genomic regions of druggable genes are always considered as proxies, since the expression levels of gene can be seen as a form of lifelong exposure. Therefore, we performed a systematic druggable genome-wide MR to explore the potential therapeutic targets for migraine. First, we obtained data on druggable genes and screened for genes within brain eQTLs and blood eQTLs, which were then subjected to two-sample MR analysis with migraine GWAS data to identify genes highly associated with migraine. Subsequently, we conducted colocalization analysis to ensure the robustness of our results. For significant genes both in blood and brain, the phenome-wide research was conducted to explore the relationship between shared potential therapeutic targets and other characteristics. In addition, enrichment analysis, protein network construction, drug prediction, and molecular docking were performed for all significant genes to provide valuable guidance for the development of more effective and targeted therapeutic drugs.

The overview of this study is presented in Fig.  1 .

Overview of this study design. DGIdb: Drug-Gene Interaction Database; eQTL: expression quantitative trait loci; GWAS: genome-wide association studies; PheWAS: Phenome-wide association study; PPI: protein–protein interaction; DSigDB: Drug Signatures Database

Druggable genes

Druggable genes were sourced from the Drug-Gene Interaction Database (DGIdb, https://www.dgidb.org/ ) [ 10 ] and a comprehensive review [ 11 ]. The DGIdb offers insights into drug-gene interactions and the potential for druggability. We accessed the 'Categories Data' from DGIdb, which was updated in February 2022. Additionally, we utilized a list of druggable genes provided in a review authored by Finan et al. [ 11 ]. By consolidating druggable genes from two sources, a broader range of druggable genes can be obtained, which have already been applied in previous study [ 12 ].

eQTL datasets

The blood eQTL dataset was sourced from eQTLGen ( https://eqtlgen.org/ ) [ 13 ], which provided cis-eQTLs for 16,987 genes derived from 31,684 blood samples collected from healthy individuals of European ancestry (Table 1 ). We acquired cis-eQTL results that were fully significant (with a false discovery rate (FDR) less than 0.05) along with information on allele frequencies. We obtained the brain eQTL data from the PsychENCODE consortia ( http://resource.psychencode.org ) [ 14 ], encompassing 1,387 samples from the prefrontal cortex, primarily of European descent (Table 1 ). We downloaded all significant eQTLs (with FDR less than 0.05) for genes that exhibited an expression level greater than 0.1 fragments per kilobase per million mapped fragments in at least 10 samples, along with complete SNP information.

Migraine GWAS dataset

In this study, the summary statistics data for migraine were obtained from a meta-analysis of GWAS conducted by the International Headache Genetics Consortium (IHGC) in 2022 [ 5 ]. To address privacy concerns related to participants in the 23andMe cohort, the GWAS summary statistics data used in this study did not include samples from the 23andMe cohort. The summary data comprised 589,356 individuals of European ancestry, with 48,975 cases and 540,381 controls (Table  1 ).

Mendelian randomization analysis

MR analyses were conducted using the 'TwoSampleMR' package (version 0.5.7) [ 15 ] in R. We chose the eQTLs of the drug genome as the exposure data. For constructing IVs, SNPs with a FDR below 0.05 and located within ± 100 kb of the transcriptional start site (TSS) of each gene were selected. These SNPs were subsequently clumped at an r 2 less than 0.001 using European samples from the 1000 Genomes Project [ 16 ]. The R package 'phenoscanner' [ 17 ] (version 1.0) was employed to identify phenotypes related to the IVs. Additionally, we excluded SNPs that were directly associated with migraine and the trait directly linked to migraine, namely headache. We harmonised and conducted MR analyses on the filtered SNPs. When only one SNP was available for analysis, we use the Wald ratio method to perform MR estimation. When multiple SNPs were available, MR analysis was performed using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method with random effects [ 18 ]. We used Cochran's Q test to assess heterogeneity among the individual causal effects of the SNPs [ 19 ]. Additionally, MR Egger's intercept was utilized to evaluate SNP pleiotropy [ 20 ]. P -values were adjusted by FDR, and 0.05 was considered as the significant threshold. Additionally, we selected target genes associated with commonly used medications for migraine and compared their MR results with those of significantly druggable genes.

Colocalization analysis

Sometimes, a single SNP is located in the regions of two or more genes. In such cases, its impact on a disease (here, migraine) is influenced by a mix of different genes. Colocalization analysis was used to confirm the potential shared causal genetic variations in physical location between migraine and eQTLs. We separately filtered SNPs located within ± 100 kb from each migraine risk gene's TSS from migraine GWAS data, blood eQTL data, and brain eQTL data. The probability that a given SNP is associated with migraine is denoted as P1, the probability that a given SNP is a significant eQTL is denoted as P2, and the probability that a given SNP is both associated with migraine and is an eQTL result is denoted as P12. All probabilities were set to default values (P1 = 1 × 10 −4 , P2 = 1 × 10 −4 , and P12 = 1 × 10 −5 ) [ 21 ]. We used posterior probabilities (PP) to quantify the support for all hypotheses, which are identified as PPH0 through PPH4: PPH0, not associated with any trait; PPH1, related to gene expression but not associated with migraine risk; PPH2, associated with migraine risk but not related to gene expression; PPH3, associated with both migraine risk and gene expression, with clear causal variation; and PPH4, associated with both migraine risk and gene expression, with a common causal variant. Given the limited capacity of colocalization analysis, we restricted our subsequent analyses to genes where PPH4 was greater than or equal to 0.75. Colocalization analysis was conducted using the R package 'coloc' (version 5.2.3).

Phenome-wide association analysis

We used the IEU OpenGWAS Project ( https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk/phewas/ ) [ 15 ] to obtain the phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) data of SNPs corresponding to druggable genes that were significant in both blood and brain following colocalization analysis.

Enrichment analysis

To explore the functionals' characteristics and biological relevance of predetermined prospective druggable genes, the R package 'clusterProfiler' (version 4.10.1) [ 22 ] was used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment studies. GO includes three terms: Biological Process (BP), Molecular Function (MF), and Cellular Component (CC). KEGG pathways can provide information about metabolic pathways.

Protein–protein interaction network construction

The protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks can visually display the relationships between protein interactions of significant druggable genes. We constructed PPI networks using the STRING ( https://string-db.org/ ) s' with a confidence score threshold of 0.4 as the minimum required interaction score, while all other parameters were maintained at their default settings [ 23 ].

Candidate drug prediction

Drug Signatures Database (DSigDB, http://dsigdb.tanlab.org/DSigDBv1.0/ ) [ 24 ] is a sizable database with 22,527 gene sets and 17,389 unique compounds spanning 19,531 genes. We uploaded previously identified significant druggable genes to DSigDB to predict candidate drugs and evaluate the pharmacological activity of target genes.

Molecular docking

We conducted molecular docking to assess the binding energies and interaction patterns between candidate drugs and their targets. By identifying ligands that exhibit high binding affinity and beneficial interaction patterns, we are able to prioritize drug targets for additional experimental validation and refine the design of prospective candidate drugs. Drug structural data were sourced from the PubChem Compound Database ( https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ ) [ 25 ] and downloaded in SDF format, then converted to pdb format using OpenBabel 2.4.1. Protein structural data were downloaded from the Protein Data Bank (PDB, http://www.rcsb.org/ ). The top five important drugs and the proteins encoded by the respective target genes were subjected to molecular docking using the computerized protein–ligand docking software AutoDock 4.2.6 ( http://autodock.scripps.edu/ ) [ 26 ], and the results were visualized using PyMol 3.0.2 ( https://www.pymol.org/ ). The final structures of six proteins and four drugs were obtained.

Druggable genome

We obtained 3,953 druggable genes from the DGIdb (Table S1). Additionally, we acquired 4,463 druggable genes from previous reviews (Table S2) [ 11 ]. After integrating the data, we obtained 5,883 unique druggable genes named by the Human Genome Organisation Gene Nomenclature Committee for subsequent analysis (Table S3).

Candidate druggable genes

After intersecting eQTLs from blood and brain tissue with druggable genes respectively, the blood eQTLs contained 3,460 gene symbols, while the brain eQTLs had 2,624 gene symbols. We performed MR analysis and identified 24 significant genes associated with migraine from blood and 10 from brain tissue (Figs. 2 and 3 ). Among them, two genes, HMGCR and TGFB3, reached significance in both blood (HMGCR OR 1.38 and TGFB3 OR 0.88) and brain tissues (HMGCR OR 2.02 and TGFB3 OR 0.73). Detailed results for the significant IVs and full results of MR are available in the Table S4-S6.

Forest plot of 24 significant genes associated with migraine from blood

Forest plot of 10 significant genes associated with migraine from brain

We selected target genes associated with commonly used medications for migraine as comparisons for our study results [ 27 ]. These include CGRP-related gene (CALCB, CALCRL, RAMP1 and RAMP3), genes related to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors targeted by ergot alkaloids, triptans, and ditans (HTR1B, HTR1D, HTR1F), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor-related genes targeted by topiramate (GABRA1), calcium ion channel-related genes targeted by flunarizine (CACNA1H, CACNA1I, CALM1), and genes related to β-adrenoceptor targeted by propranolol (ADRB1, ADRB2). Among these genes (Fig.  4 ), CALM1 showed significant association with migraine in blood eQTL, but it lost significance after FDR correction (OR 0.92, P  = 0.039, FDR-P = 0.455). In brain eQTL, CALCB and RAMP3 showed correlation with migraine, and after FDR correction, CALCB still maintained significance (CALCB: OR 0.68, P  = 0.0001, FDR-P = 0.029; RAMP3: OR 1.16, P  = 0.031, FDR-P = 0.425).

Forest plot of 13 genes associated with commonly used medications for migraine from blood and brain

The results indicated that, of the previously identified 24 significant genes from blood, 17 had a PPH4 greater than 0.75. Among the 10 significant genes from brain, 6 had a PPH4 greater than 0.75. HMGCR and TGFB3 showed significant colocalization results in both blood and brain tissues (Table  2 , Table  3 and Table S7).

Due to the presence of the blood–brain barrier, compared to various components in the blood and other organs, brain tissue is more difficult to be affected by the action of drugs [ 28 ]. Therefore, we used the IEU OpenGWAS Project to obtain the PheWAS results of SNPs corresponding to HMGCR and TGFB3 from blood, rather than from brain tissue. The results showed that HMGCR was highly correlated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and TGFB3 was primarily associated with the level of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). The complete results are available in the Table S8-S9.

Through GO analysis of 21 potential targets, we found that these targets are primarily involved in BP such as regulation of protein secretion (GO: 0050708), response to hypoxia (GO: 0001666), negative regulation of carbohydrate metabolic processes (GO: 0045912), and the intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway in response to DNA damage by p53 class mediator (GO: 0042771). The main MF include transcription coregulator binding (GO: 0001221) and chromatin DNA binding (GO: 0031490, Fig.  5 ). To explore the potential therapeutic pathways of migraine-associated significant druggable genes, KEGG analysis indicates that the target genes were primarily enriched in pathways such as Human T-cell leukemia virus 1 infection (hsa05166) and the Cell cycle (hsa04110, Fig.  6 ).

GO enrichment results for three terms

KEGG enrichment results

We loaded 21 drug target genes into the STRING database to create a PPI network. The results, shown in Fig.  7 , displayed protein interaction pathways consisting of 21 nodes and 22 edges.

PPI network built with STRING

We used DSigDB to predict potentially effective intervention drugs and listed the top 10 potential intervention drugs based on the adjusted P -values (Table  4 ). The results indicated that butyric acid (butyric acid CTD 00007353) and clofibrate (clofibrate CTD 00005684) were the two most significant drugs, connected respectively to TGFB1, TGFB3, EP300, TP53 and TGFB1, CDK4, HMGCR, TP53. Additionally, arsenenous acid (Arsenenous acid CTD 00000922) and dexamethasone (dexamethasone CTD 00005779) were associated with most of the significant druggable genes.

We used AutoDock 4.2.6 to analyze the binding sites and interactions between the top 5 candidate drugs and the proteins encoded by the corresponding genes, generating the binding energy for each interaction. We obtained 14 effective docking results between the proteins and drugs (Table  5 ). Docking amino acid residues and hydrogen bond lengths are shown in Fig. 8 . Among these, the binding between CDK4 and andrographolide exhibited the lowest binding energy (-7.11 kcal/mol), indicating stable binding.

Molecular docking results of available proteins and drugs. a TGFB1 docking butyric acid, b TGFB1 docking clofibrate, c TGFB1 docking Sorafenib, d TGFB1 docking Andrographolide, e TGFB3 docking butyric acid, f EP300 docking butyric acid, g TP53 docking butyric acid, h CDK4 docking clofibrate, i CDK4 docking Sorafenib, j CDK4 docking Andrographolide, k HMGCR docking clofibrate, l TP53 docking clofibrate, m TP53 docking Sorafenib, n TP53 docking Andrographolide

This study integrated existing druggable gene targets with migraine GWAS data through MR and colocalization analysis, identifying 21 druggable genes significantly associated with migraine (BRPF3, CBFB, CDK4, CHD4, DDIT4, EP300, EPHA5, FGFRL1, FXN, HMGCR, HVCN1, KCNK5, MRGPRE, NLGN2, NR1D1, PLXNB1, TGFB1, TGFB3, THRA, TLN1 and TP53). To further illustrate the potential pleiotropy and drug side effects of significant druggable genes, we conducted a phenome-wide research of two SNPs associated with two druggable genes of interest (HMGCR and TGFB3). Additionally, we performed enrichment analysis and constructed PPI network for these 21 significant genes to understand the biological significance and interaction mechanisms of these drug targets. Finally, drug prediction and molecular docking were conducted to further validate the pharmaceutical value of these significant druggable genes.

The association between HMGCR and migraine has been supported by multiple prior studies. One study indicated that migraine has significant shared signals with certain lipoprotein subgroups at the HMGCR locus [ 29 ]. Hong et al. found that HMGCR genotypes associated with higher LDL cholesterol levels are linked to an increased risk of migraine [ 30 ]. Statins inhibit the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, which is encoded by the HMGCR gene, to exert their lipid-lowering effects and have been widely used in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke. Previous clinical research has shown that simvastatin combined with vitamin D can effectively prevent episodic migraines in adults [ 31 ]. Additionally, HMGCR may also be involved in immune modulation, with studies suggesting that migraine patients experience neuroinflammation due to activation of the trigeminal-vascular system, leading to peripheral and central sensitization of pain and triggering migraine attacks [ 32 , 33 ]. HMGCR inhibitors can suppress the production of inflammatory mediators and cytokines, thus reducing inflammatory responses [ 34 ]. We speculate that the role of HMGCR in regulating inflammation and immunity may have influenced the drug prediction results generated by DSigDB, which based on Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) [ 24 , 35 , 36 ], diluting the role of HMGCR in regulating lipid metabolism. Therefore, statins did not appear in the predicted list of candidate drugs.

TGFB1 and TGFB3 encodes different secreted ligands of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily of proteins, namely TGF-β1 and TGF-β3. TGF-β is a pleiotropic cytokine closely associated with immunity and inflammation [ 37 ]. Research indicated that TGF-β3 can inhibit B cell proliferation and antibody production by suppressing the phosphorylation of NF-κB, thus exerting its anti-inflammatory effects [ 38 ]. The activation of the classical NF-κB pathway is a key mechanism that upregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, promoting central sensitization and leading to the onset of chronic migraine [ 39 ]. A previous clinical study indicated that the serum levels of TGF-β1 are significantly elevated in migraine patients [ 40 ]. Ishizaki et al. found that TGF-β1 levels in the platelet poor plasma of migraine patients are significantly increased during headache-free intervals [ 41 ]. Bø et al. discovered that during acute migraine attacks, the levels of TGF-β1 in cerebrospinal fluid are significantly higher compared to the control group [ 42 ]. Although some studies consider TGF-β1 to be an anti-inflammatory cytokine [ 43 ], based on previous research and the results of this study, we believe that TGFB1 and its encoded protein, TGF-β1, are associated with an increased risk of migraine. The pleiotropic effects of TGF-β1 on inflammation may depend on concentration and environment [ 44 ]. In addition, we found an association between TGFB3 and IGF1 in our phenome-wide research. A previous MR study showed that increased levels of IGF1 are causally associated with decreased migraine risk [ 45 ]. Recent experimental results suggest that the miR-653-3p/IGF1 axis regulating the AKT/TRPV1 signaling pathway may be a potential pathogenic mechanism for migraine [ 46 ]. The beneficial effects of TGF-β3 and IGF1 on migraine may be associated with the regulation of gene expression in different microenvironments to promote the transition of microglial cells from M1 (pathogenic) to M2 (protective) phenotypes [ 47 ].

Among the 13 genes targeted by some commonly used migraine treatment drugs, the MR results for 3 genes were significant in blood or brain eQTL. Although only one gene remained significant after FDR correction, this still demonstrates that the significant genes newly identified in this study are reliable and have potential as drug targets to some extent. The lack of significance in certain drug target genes may be related to the insufficient sample size of the migraine GWAS data included in our study. It would be meaningful to validate the results of this study with more large-sample GWAS data available in the future.

In this study, DSigDB predicted 10 potential drugs for migraine, but current clinical research is mainly focused on melatonin and dexamethasone. ClinicalTrials ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ ) has registered multiple studies on the efficacy of melatonin and dexamethasone for migraine. Many research findings differ differently and controversially. A published clinical study on acute treatment of pediatric migraine showed that both low and high doses of melatonin contributed to pain relief [ 48 ]. The consensus published by the Brazilian Headache Society in 2022 lists melatonin as a recommended medication for preventing episodic migraine (Class II; Level C) [ 49 ]. However, study indicated that bedtime administration of sustained-release melatonin did not lead to a reduction in migraine attack frequency compared to placebo [ 50 ]. Dexamethasone has shown good efficacy for severe acute migraine attacks [ 51 ]. The 2016 guidelines for the emergency treatment of acute migraines in adults, issued by the American Headache Society, mention that dexamethasone should be administered to prevent the recurrence of migraine (Should offer—Level B) [ 52 ]. But study suggested that dexamethasone does not reduce migraine recurrence [ 53 ].

An animal study has shown that clofibrate can improve oxidative stress and neuroinflammation caused by the exaggerated production of lipid peroxidation products [ 54 ]. Clofibrate can activate peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) α, inhibit the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and the production of interleukin (IL)-6, exerting an anti-inflammatory effect [ 55 , 56 ]. Additionally, a recent animal study indicated the upregulation of astrocytic activation and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) in migraine mice model induced by recurrent dural infusion of inflammatory soup (IS). This was accompanied by the release of various cytokines, increased neuronal excitability, and promotion of central sensitization processes [ 57 ]. Clofibrate can reduce the activation of astrocytes and the expression of GFAP, thereby inhibiting neuroinflammation [ 54 ]. Andrographolide is a major bioactive constituent of Andrographis paniculata, has broad effects on various inflammatory and neurological disorders [ 58 , 59 , 60 ]. Although we did not find any migraine clinical trials related to clofibrate and andrographolide on PubMed and ClinicalTrials, we believe that the prospects for using clofibrate and andrographolide in the treatment of migraine are quite promising. We hope to see more research on the association of clofibrate and andrographolide with migraine in the future.

Our study has several advantages. First, we provided compelling genetic evidence about migraine drug targets using MR, utilizing the largest publicly available GWAS data to date. Additionally, colocalization analysis helps reduce false negatives and false positives to ensure the robustness of the results. Enrichment analysis and PPI illustrate the functional characteristics and regulatory relationships of these targets genes, providing potential avenues for migraine drug development. The drug predictions demonstrate the medicinal potential of these genes, and high binding activity from molecular docking indicates the strong potential of these genes as drug targets. Our research conducts a comprehensive evaluation from identifying migraine-related druggable genes to drug binding properties, proposing migraine drug targets with compelling evidence.

This study also includes several notable limitations. Firstly, the number of eQTL IVs in MR is limited, with most not exceeding three SNPs, which restricts the credibility of the MR results. Additionally, while MR offers valuable insights into causality, it assumes a linear connection between low-dose drug exposure and the exposure-outcome relationship, which may not fully replicate real-world clinical trials that typically assess high doses of drugs in a short timeframe. Therefore, MR results may not accurately reflect the effect sizes observed in actual clinical settings, nor fully predict the impacts of drugs. Secondly, the generalizability of this study is limited by its primary inclusion of individuals of European descent. Extrapolating the findings to individuals of other genetic ancestry populations requires further research and validation to ensure broader applicability. Thirdly, the study focuses mainly on cis-eQTLs and their relationship with migraine, potentially overlooking other regulatory and environmental factors that contribute to the complexity of the disease. Fourthly, while enrichment analysis is valuable, it has inherent limitations as it relies on predefined gene sets or pathways, which may not encompass all possible biological mechanisms or interactions. A lack of significant enrichment does not necessarily mean there is no biological relevance, and researchers should interpret results cautiously. Fifth, the accuracy of molecular docking analysis largely depends on the quality of the protein structures and ligands. While this method identified potential drug targets, it does not guarantee their efficacy in clinical settings. Subsequent experimental validation and clinical trials are necessary to confirm the therapeutic potential of the identified targets. Moreover, we only investigated the side effects of 2 significant druggable genes. The effects of drugs on targets are very broad, and many off-target effects cannot be explored through MR, requiring further basic and clinical trials to gain a more comprehensive understanding. Finally, the clinical relevance of our study results needs further validation; the lack of clinical data related to our study is a significant limitation.

This study utilized MR and colocalization analysis to identify 21 potential drug targets for migraine, two of which were significant in both blood and brain. These findings provide promising leads for more effective migraine treatments, potentially reducing drug development costs. The study contributes valuably to the field, highlighting the importance of these druggable genes significantly associated with migraine. Further clinical trials on drugs targeting these genes are necessary in the future.

Availability of data and materials

The Migraine GWAS dataset provided by Hautakangas et al. can be obtained by contacting International Headache Genetics Consortium [ 5 ]. Other data can be obtained from the original literature and websites.

Abbreviations

• Mendelian randomization

Expression quantitative trait loci

Genome-wide association studies

Calcitonin gene-related peptide

Single nucleotide polymorphisms

Instrumental variables

Drug-Gene Interaction Database

False discovery rate

International Headache Genetics Consortium

Transcriptional start site

Inverse-variance weighted

5-Hydroxytryptamine

γ-Aminobutyric acid

Posterior probabilities

Phenome-wide association study

Gene Ontology

Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes

Biological process

Molecular function

Cellular component

Protein–protein interaction

Drug Signatures Database

Protein Data Bank

Low-density lipoprotein

Gene Set Enrichment Analysis

Insulin-like growth factor 1

Transforming growth factor-beta

Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors

Interleukin

Glial fibrillary acidic protein

Trigeminal nucleus caudalis

Inflammatory soup

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The authors sincerely thank related investigators for sharing the statistics included in this study.

This study was funded by China National Natural Science Foundation (82374575, 82074179), Beijing Natural Science Foundation (7232270), Outstanding Young Talents Program of Capital Medial University (B2207), Capital’s Funds for Health Improvement and Research (CFH2024-2–2235).

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Zhang, C., He, Y. & Liu, L. Identifying therapeutic target genes for migraine by systematic druggable genome-wide Mendelian randomization. J Headache Pain 25 , 100 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-024-01805-3

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• Qifan Yang 1 ,
• Yao Lin 1 ,
• Caijuan Geng 1 ,
• Wei Huang 1 &
• Wei Zeng 1  

European Journal of Medical Research volume  29 , Article number:  327 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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Some previous observational studies have linked deep venous thrombosis (DVT) to thyroid diseases; however, the findings were contradictory. This study aimed to investigate whether some common thyroid diseases can cause DVT using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

This two-sample MR study used single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified by the FinnGen genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to be highly associated with some common thyroid diseases, including autoimmune hyperthyroidism (962 cases and 172,976 controls), subacute thyroiditis (418 cases and 187,684 controls), hypothyroidism (26,342 cases and 59,827 controls), and malignant neoplasm of the thyroid gland (989 cases and 217,803 controls. These SNPs were used as instruments. Outcome datasets for the GWAS on DVT (6,767 cases and 330,392 controls) were selected from the UK Biobank data, which was obtained from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) open GWAS project. The inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger and weighted median methods were used to estimate the causal association between DVT and thyroid diseases. The Cochran’s Q test was used to quantify the heterogeneity of the instrumental variables (IVs). MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier test (MR-PRESSO) was used to detect horizontal pleiotropy. When the causal relationship was significant, bidirectional MR analysis was performed to determine any reverse causal relationships between exposures and outcomes.

This MR study illustrated that autoimmune hyperthyroidism slightly increased the risk of DVT according to the IVW [odds ratio (OR) = 1.0009; p  = 0.024] and weighted median methods [OR = 1.001; p  = 0.028]. According to Cochran’s Q test, there was no evidence of heterogeneity in IVs. Additionally, MR-PRESSO did not detect horizontal pleiotropy ( p  = 0.972). However, no association was observed between other thyroid diseases and DVT using the IVW, weighted median, and MR-Egger regression methods.

Conclusions

This study revealed that autoimmune hyperthyroidism may cause DVT; however, more evidence and larger sample sizes are required to draw more precise conclusions.

Introduction

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common type of disease that occurs in 1–2 individuals per 1000 each year [ 1 ]. In the post-COVID-19 era, DVT showed a higher incidence rate [ 2 ]. Among hospitalized patients, the incidence rate of this disease was as high as 2.7% [ 3 ], increasing the risk of adverse events during hospitalization. According to the Registro Informatizado Enfermedad Tromboembolica (RIETE) registry, which included data from ~ 100,000 patients from 26 countries, the 30-day mortality rate was 2.6% for distal DVT and 3.3% for proximal DVT [ 4 ]. Other studies have shown that the one-year mortality rate of DVT is 19.6% [ 5 ]. DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE), collectively referred to as venous thromboembolism (VTE), constitute a major global burden of disease [ 6 ].

Thyroid diseases are common in the real world. Previous studies have focused on the relationship between DVT and thyroid diseases, including thyroid dysfunction and thyroid cancer. Some case reports [ 7 , 8 , 9 ] have demonstrated that hyperthyroidism is often associated with DVT and indicates a worse prognosis [ 10 ]. The relationship between thyroid tumors and venous thrombosis has troubled researchers for many years. In 1989, the first case of papillary thyroid carcinoma presenting with axillary vein thrombosis as the initial symptom was reported [ 11 ]. In 1995, researchers began to notice the relationship between thyroid tumors and hypercoagulability [ 12 ], laying the foundation for subsequent extensive research. However, the aforementioned observational studies had limitations, such as small sample sizes, selection bias, reverse causality, and confounding factors, which may have led to unreliable conclusions [ 13 ].

Previous studies have explored the relationship of thyroid disease and DVT and revealed that high levels of thyroid hormones may increase the risk of DVT. Hyperthyroidism promotes a procoagulant and hypofibrinolytic state by affecting the von Willebrand factor, factors VIII, IV, and X, fibrinogen, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 [ 14 , 15 ]. At the molecular level, researchers believe that thyroid hormones affect coagulation levels through an important nuclear thyroid hormone receptor (TR), TRβ [ 16 ], and participate in pathological coagulation through endothelial dysfunction. Thyroid hormones may have non-genetic effects on the behavior of endothelial cells [ 17 , 18 ]. In a study regarding tumor thrombosis, Lou [ 19 ] found that 303 circular RNAs were differentially expressed in DVT using microarray. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that the most significantly enriched pathways included thyroid hormone-signaling pathway and endocytosis, and also increased level of proteoglycans in cancer. This indicated that tumor cells and thyroid hormones might interact to promote thrombosis. Based on these studies, we speculated that thyroid diseases, including thyroid dysfunction and thyroid tumors, may cause DVT.

Mendelian randomization (MR) research is a causal inference technique that can be used to assess the causal relationship and reverse causation between specific exposure and outcome factors. If certain assumptions [ 20 ] are fulfilled, genetic variants can be employed as instrumental variables (IVs) to establish causal relationships. Bidirectional MR analysis can clarify the presence of reverse causal relationships [ 21 ], making the conclusions more comprehensive. Accordingly, we aimed to apply a two-sample MR strategy to investigate whether DVT is related to four thyroid diseases, including autoimmune hyperthyroidism, subacute thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer.

Study design

MR relies on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as IVs. The IVs should fulfill the following three criteria [ 22 ]: (1) IVs should be strongly associated with exposure. (2) Genetic variants must be independent of unmeasured confounding factors that may affect the exposure–outcome association. (3) IVs are presumed to affect the outcome only through their associations with exposure (Fig.  1 ). IVs that met the above requirements were used to estimate the relationship between exposure and outcome. Our study protocol conformed to the STROBE-MR Statement [ 23 ], and all methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations.

The relationship between instrumental variables, exposure, outcome, and confounding factors

Data sources and instruments

Datasets (Table  1 ) in this study were obtained from a publicly available database (the IEU open genome-wide association studies (GWAS) project [ 24 ] ( https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk )). There was no overlap in samples between the data sources of outcome and exposures. Using de-identified summary-level data, privacy information such as overall age and gender were hidden. Ethical approval was obtained for all original work. This study complied with the terms of use of the database.

MR analysis was performed using the R package “TwoSampleMR”. SNPs associated with each thyroid disease at the genome-wide significance threshold of p  < 5.0 × 10 –8 were selected as potential IVs. To ensure independence between the genetic variants used as IVs, the linkage disequilibrium (LD) threshold for grouping was set to r 2  < 0.001 with a window size of 10,000 kb. The SNP with the lowest p -value at each locus was retained for analyses.

Statistical analysis

Multiple MR methods were used to infer causal relationships between thyroid diseases and DVT, including the inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger tests, after harmonizing the SNPs across the GWASs of exposures and outcomes. The main analysis was conducted using the IVW method. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy were also performed in each MR analysis. Meanwhile, the MR-PRESSO Global test [ 25 ] was utilized to detect horizontal pleiotropy. The effect trend of SNP was observed through a scatter plot, and the forest plot was used to observe the overall effects. When a significant causal relationship was confirmed by two-sample MR analysis, bidirectional MR analysis was performed to assess reverse causal relationships by swapping exposure and outcome factors. Parameters were set the same as before. All abovementioned statistical analyses were performed using the package TwoSampleMR (version 0.5.7) in the R program (version 4.2.1).

After harmonizing the SNPs across the GWASs for exposures and outcomes, the IVW (OR = 1.0009, p  = 0.024, Table  2 ) and weighted median analyses (OR = 1.001, p  = 0.028) revealed significant causal effects between autoimmune hyperthyroidism and DVT risk. Similar results were observed using the weighted median approach Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept, and MR-PRESSO tests suggested that the results were not influenced by pleiotropy and heterogeneity (Table  2 ). However, the leave-one-out analysis revealed a significant difference after removing some SNPs (rs179247, rs6679677, rs72891915, and rs942495, p  < 0.05, Figure S2a), indicating that MR results were dependent on these SNPs (Figure S2, Table S1). No significant effects were observed in other thyroid diseases (Table  2 ). The estimated scatter plot of the association between thyroid diseases and DVT is presented in Fig.  2 , indicating a positive causal relationship between autoimmune hyperthyroidism and DVT (Fig.  2 a). The forest plots of single SNPs affecting the risk of DVT are displayed in Figure S1.

The estimated scatter plot of the association between thyroid diseases and DVT. MR-analyses are derived using IVW, MR-Egger, weighted median and mode. By fitting different models, the scatter plot showed the relationship between SNP and exposure factors, predicting the association between SNP and outcomes

Bidirectional MR analysis was performed to further determine the relationship between autoimmune hyperthyroidism and DVT. The reverse causal relationship was not observed (Table S2), which indicated that autoimmune hyperthyroidism can cause DVT from a mechanism perspective.

This study used MR to assess whether thyroid diseases affect the incidence of DVT. The results showed that autoimmune hyperthyroidism can increase the risk of DVT occurrence, but a reverse causal relationship was not observed between them using bidirectional MR analysis. However, other thyroid diseases, such as subacute thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer, did not show a similar effect.

Recently, several studies have suggested that thyroid-related diseases may be associated with the occurrence of DVT in the lower extremities, which provided etiological clues leading to the occurrence of DVT in our subsequent research. In 2006, a review mentioned the association between thyroid dysfunction and coagulation disorders [ 26 ], indicating a hypercoagulable state in patients with hyperthyroidism. In 2011, a review further suggested a clear association between hypothyroidism and bleeding tendency, while hyperthyroidism appeared to increase the risk of thrombotic events, particularly cerebral venous thrombosis [ 27 ]. A retrospective cohort study [ 28 ] supported this conclusion, but this study only observed a higher proportion of concurrent thyroid dysfunction in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis. The relationship between thyroid function and venous thromboembolism remains controversial. Krieg VJ et al. [ 29 ] found that hypothyroidism has a higher incidence rate in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and may be associated with more severe disease, which seemed to be different from previous views that hyperthyroidism may be associated with venous thrombosis. Alsaidan [ 30 ] also revealed that the risk of developing venous thrombosis was almost increased onefold for cases with a mild-to-moderate elevation of thyroid stimulating hormone and Free thyroxine 4(FT4). In contrast, it increased twofold for cases with a severe elevation of thyroid stimulating hormone and FT4. Raised thyroid hormones may increase the synthesis or secretion of coagulation factors or may decrease fibrinolysis, which may lead to the occurrence of coagulation abnormality.

Other thyroid diseases are also reported to be associated with DVT. In a large prospective cohort study [ 31 ], the incidence of venous thromboembolism was observed to increase in patients with thyroid cancer over the age of 60. However, other retrospective studies did not find any difference compared with the general population [ 32 ]. In the post-COVID-19 era, subacute thyroiditis has received considerable attention from researchers. New evidence suggests that COVID-19 may be associated with subacute thyroiditis [ 33 , 34 ]. Mondal et al. [ 35 ] found that out of 670 COVID-19 patients, 11 presented with post-COVID-19 subacute thyroiditis. Among them, painless subacute thyroiditis appeared earlier and exhibited symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Another case report also indicated the same result, that is, subacute thyroiditis occurred after COVID-19 infection, accompanied by thyroid function changes [ 36 ]. This led us to hypothesize that subacute thyroiditis may cause DVT through alterations in thyroid function.

This study confirmed a significant causal relationship between autoimmune hyperthyroidism and DVT ( p  = 0.02). The data were tested for heterogeneity and gene pleiotropy using MR-Egger, Cochran’s Q, and MR-PRESSO tests. There was no evidence that the results were influenced by pleiotropy or heterogeneity. In the leave-one-out analysis, four of the five selected SNPs showed significant effects of autoimmune hyperthyroidism on DVT, suggesting an impact of these SNPs on DVT outcome. Previous studies have focused on the relationship between hyperthyroidism and its secondary arrhythmias and arterial thromboembolism [ 37 , 38 ]. This study emphasized the risk of DVT in patients with hyperthyroidism, which has certain clinical implications. Prophylactic anticoagulant therapy was observed to help prevent DVT in patients with hyperthyroidism. Unfortunately, the results of this study did not reveal any evidence that suggests a relationship between other thyroid diseases and DVT occurrence. This may be due to the limited database, as this study only included the GWAS data from a subset of European populations. Large-scale multiracial studies are needed in the future.

There are some limitations to this study. First, it was limited to participants of European descent. Consequently, further investigation is required to confirm these findings in other ethnicities. Second, this study did not reveal the relationship between complications of hyperthyroidism and DVT. Additionally, this study selected IVs from the database using statistical methods rather than selecting them from the real population. This may result in weaker effects of the screened IVs and reduce the clinical significance of MR analysis. Moreover, the definitions of some diseases in this study were not clear in the original database, and some of the diseases were self-reported, which may reduce the accuracy of diagnosis. Further research is still needed to clarify the causal relationship between DVT and thyroid diseases based on prospective cohort and randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

This study analyzed large-scale genetic data and provided evidence of a causal relationship between autoimmune hyperthyroidism and the risk of DVT, Compared with the other thyroid diseases investigated. Prospective RCTs or MR studies with larger sample sizes are still needed to draw more precise conclusions.

Availability of data and materials

The IEU open gwas project, https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk/

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Lifeng Zhang and Kaibei Li have contributed equally to this work and share the first authorship.

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Department of Vascular Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39, Shierqiao Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China

Lifeng Zhang, Qifan Yang, Yao Lin, Caijuan Geng, Wei Huang & Wei Zeng

Disinfection Supply Center, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39, Shierqiao Road, Jin Niu District, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China

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Conception and design: LFZ and WZ. Analysis and interpretation: LFZ, KBL and WZ. Data collection: LFZ, QFY, YL, CJG and WH. Writing the article: LFZ, KBL. Critical revision of the article: LFZ, GFY and WZ. Final approval of the article: LFZ, KBL, YL, CJG, WH, QFY and WZ. Statistical analysis: YL, QFY.

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Zhang, L., Li, K., Yang, Q. et al. Associations between deep venous thrombosis and thyroid diseases: a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study. Eur J Med Res 29 , 327 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-024-01933-1

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Public attitudes towards the use of AI in journalism

Artificial intelligence (AI) and similar technologies have been used by news organisations for some time, but these uses have been largely behind the scenes. However, recent developments in Large Language Models (LLMs) and the public launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, followed by a flurry of other generative AI tools, marked a real shift in public interest and in how publishers have been thinking about AI for the production of news content.  

Research on the uptake of AI in newsrooms is rapidly growing, (e.g. Beckett and Yaseen 2023; Simon 2024), but we know considerably less about how news audiences might receive these incursions, especially in a context of low or declining trust in news in many countries. We have included questions on the topic in this year’s survey, at a time when audiences themselves are learning and forming their own opinions about AI in general and few will understand how these technologies might be used in journalism specifically.  

In the analysis that follows, we supplement our survey data with illustrative quotes and insights from qualitative research conducted by the market research agency Craft with 45 digital news users in Mexico, the UK, and the US. The research took participants on an individual ‘deliberative journey’, capturing their baseline understanding and comfort levels with AI in initial interviews, and then presenting them with news-related AI case uses to experiment with and reflect on. Just as publishers can use AI for different kinds of tasks, audiences approach distinct uses with varying degrees of comfort, more generally onboard with backend tasks and innovation in the delivery of news than with the generation of new content.   

AI awareness and how it shapes comfort with AI in journalism 

Before asking respondents about AI in news, we wanted to have a sense of their awareness about AI more generally. Across 28 markets where AI questions were included, self-reported awareness is relatively low, with less than half (45%) of respondents saying they have heard or read a large or moderate amount about it. Meanwhile, 40% of respondents say they have heard or read a small amount, and 9% say nothing at all.  

Aside from country-level differences, AI awareness varies across socio-demographic groups, with marked gaps across age, gender, and education levels. On average, we find that AI awareness is higher among younger people, men, and those with higher levels of education.  

These figures give us a sense of how much information about AI respondents have encountered, but not where they have seen it, what kind of information it is, or what experiences they have had with AI themselves. Recent studies suggest people don’t always recognise what AI is, and most are not using it on a regular basis. 1 Evidence from our qualitative data echoes these findings, also showing that, while a small subset of people may already be using AI tools and many will have encountered information about it in the news and social media, for others, science fiction TV series and films also shape their perceptions. 

AI is in all the devices we use now – phone, computer, in everything we do on the internet. And there are more advanced things like ChatGPT that students now use a lot.  Female, 26, Mexico 

It worries me slightly, if we do become very dependent on AI and AI becomes a big thing, how AI can basically just destroy the world. It's a very ‘out there’ take, but it's one of those we just can't help think about. I adore sci-fi, The Terminator, Space Odyssey.  Male, 19, UK 

Understanding how much people have seen or heard about AI is important for publishers because, in the absence of personal experience, popular portrayals play an outsized role in colouring perceptions of AI overall, which in turn shape attitudes towards using news made with or by AI – something most have likely not seen that much of yet. Our survey data show that, across all countries, only a minority currently feels comfortable using news made by humans with the help of AI (36%), and an even smaller proportion is comfortable using news made mostly by AI with human oversight (19%).  

We also find that people with greater AI awareness tend to feel relatively more comfortable with the use of AI in journalism. While still very low, comfort using news made mostly by AI is twice as high among those who have seen or heard more about AI (26%) relative to those who have seen less (13%). We see a similar gap when asking about comfort using news produced mostly by a human journalist with some help from AI (45% versus 30%).  

Different comfort levels for different AI uses 

Most audiences have not put much, if any, thought into how AI could be used for news, and our qualitative research shows that people’s starting point is generally one of resistance, suspicion, and fear. However, over the course of testing out a variety of AI use cases in journalism, participants often developed and articulated more nuanced opinions about where they were more or less comfortable with the implementation of AI, depending on whether it is used behind the scenes, to deliver news in new ways, or to generate entirely new content. Perceptions about AI are rapidly evolving, and while majorities are put off by AI news in principle, it is possible that, as audiences become more familiar with AI, some may become more open to its adoption for at least certain functions. 

If it was disclosed to me that this was produced by an AI [I] will probably go, ‘Okay, well, then I'll just not read that.’  UK, 40, Male 

Many publishers have, for years, used AI and similar technologies for behind-the-scenes tasks such as monitoring trending topics online, transcribing interviews, and personalising recommendations for readers (Beckett 2019). However, concerns with guardrails and best practices have become salient as more newsrooms explore using generative AI for increasingly public-facing applications. For example, in the US, Men’s Journal has used AI to help write summary pieces based on previous articles. In Mexico and the UK, radio and TV channels have experimented with synthetic newsreaders. Others have trialled applications like headline testing, summary bullets, chatbots, image generation, and article translation. Still, most publishers are moving cautiously, learning from the mishaps of others who have come under scrutiny for insufficient disclosure and oversight, in some cases resulting in inaccurate information making its way onto news websites. 2

Our qualitative research tells us that people tend to be most comfortable with behind-the-scenes applications, where journalists use AI to make their work more efficient and in ways not directly visible to audiences. They are less comfortable with, but in some cases still open to, the use of AI for delivering news in new ways and formats, especially when this improves their experiences as users and increases accessibility. They are least comfortable with the use of AI to generate entirely new content. Regardless of the application, there is widespread agreement that total automation should be off limits and a human should always remain ‘in the loop’ – which coincides with how most publishers are thinking about the implementation of generative AI. 

Audience comfort with the use of AI across different stages of news production

I am somewhat/mostly comfortable with … AI manipulating and reformatting information to some extent, but AI does not seem to be intentionally creating new content in these scenarios.  Female, 24, US 

While audiences tend to be uncomfortable with the use of AI to create new content, not all forms of content are seen equally. We found participants to be least resistant towards the use of AI to generate text-based content, followed by illustrations or stylised graphics and animations, which many reasoned are nothing new and add aesthetic appeal. Meanwhile, they are most strongly opposed to the use of AI for creating realistic-looking photographs and especially video, even if disclosed. Past research shows that people often rely on images and videos as ‘mental shortcuts’ when trying to discern what to trust online, with many expressing the idea that ‘seeing is believing’ (e.g., Ross Arguedas et al. 2023). This crucial function of images, often serving as proof of what is being reported, helps explain why synthetic imagery disrupting that logic would cause greater uneasiness.  

Some uses of AI do not alter anything, they are graphics, complementary images and can make the content more attractive.  Female, 24, Mexico  For producing images and things like that, that is a little more tricky because it can generate images that appear to show something that is not reality, especially when given the prompts by the author.  Male, 41, US 

Examples of different formats shown to research participants

As noted in the Executive Summary, the topic at stake also shapes comfort levels. While comfort levels are low across the board, audiences express greater discomfort with the use of AI to generate content about more consequential topics, such as politics, relative to less consequential topics such as sports. In our qualitative research, participants note that the potential to cause harm and the scope of such harm varies considerably depending on the subject matter.  

Different types of news carry different weights. AI fact-checking football game scores … for a sports article has almost no consequence if it reports something incorrectly/with bias. Fact-checking an article about a political party or election news could have catastrophic consequences.  Non-binary, 24, US 

The type of information being generated also shapes perceptions, as some people are more open to the use of generative AI for creating outputs based on verifiable ‘facts’ and ‘numbers’, such as sports scores or even elections reports, than they are when it comes to more complex news they believe requires human interpretation, nuance, sensitivity, and even emotion. Such distinctions are not only about accuracy, but also about more philosophical questions around what journalism is and what kinds of work people think are and should remain fundamentally human. 

The best thing is to try to keep the use of AI to facts, numbers, statistics, and not analysis or opinion, where more context needs to be given. That is where humans are needed, to provide that value.  Female, 52, Mexico  When you're delivering, like, really triggering and hopeless news, it’s very emotional. Regardless of whether you want it to, it will affect you in some way or other, and I feel like humans kind of have that emotional context.  Male, 19, UK  

AI news, disclosure, and trust 

One key concern for publishers experimenting with AI is how using these technologies may impact public trust in news, which Digital News Report data show has declined in many countries in recent years. Many worry about the potential for AI to generate biased, inaccurate, or false information. However, beyond ensuring information quality, some are grappling with best practices around disclosing AI use. On the one hand, providing transparency about how they are using AI may help manage expectations and show good faith. On the other hand, to the extent that audiences distrust AI technologies, simply knowing news organisations are using them could diminish trust. Early experimental research suggests that audiences view news labelled as AI-generated as less trustworthy than that created by humans. 3 This tension means that news organisations will want to think carefully about when disclosure is necessary and how to communicate it. 

It is very important that there is human supervision. I trust a human more, because we have the ability to analyse and discern, while AI is not sensitive, it has errors, it does not know how to decide what to do … it does not have a moral compass.  Male, 28, Mexico 

When asked about disclosure generally, participants in our research welcome and often demand complete transparency about the use of AI in journalism. However, when probing further on diverse AI applications, not everyone finds it necessary across all use cases. Some view labelling as less important when it comes to behind-the-scenes uses where human journalists are using AI to expedite their work but imperative for public-facing outputs, especially those made mostly by AI, since it might shape how they approach the information or whether they want to use it in the first place.  

I don't think they need to disclose when [it’s] … behind the scenes and it's still [a] human interacting with both those services. It's still human-based, they're just helping with assistive tools, so I think it's fine and it speeds up the process a lot.  Male, 26, UK 

News organisations and journalists should always let consumers know that they have used AI. I think there are net benefits in that kind of transparency … so consumers can make the decision themselves of whether they want to consume this content or not.  Female, 28, US 

Furthermore, trust can itself shape how comfortable audiences are with using news produced by or with the help of AI. We find that trusting audiences tend to be more comfortable, particularly when it comes to using news produced mostly by humans with the help of AI, with gaps in comfort levels between trusting and untrusting audiences ranging from 24 percentage points in the US to 10 percentage points in Mexico. It is likely that audiences who tend to trust news in general have greater faith in publishers’ ability to responsibly use AI, relative to their untrusting counterparts. 

We see evidence of this in our qualitative findings as well, both in general and at the outlet level. Individuals who trust specific news organisations, especially those they describe as reputable or prestigious, also tend to be more open to them using AI. Whether it is because they view such outlets as more benevolent, have greater faith in their oversight capacities, or simply think they have the most to lose if they do it carelessly, these segments of the audience appear less uncomfortable with journalists using AI. On the flipside, audiences who are already sceptical or cynical of news organisations may view their trust further eroded by the implementation of these technologies. 

​​It depends on who uses it … If a serious, recognised, prestigious news company uses it, I feel that it will be well used, because I don't think a company will put its prestige at play.  Male, 28, Mexico 

Conclusion 

Just as there is no single AI technology or application, there is no single view from audiences on whether the use of AI by news organisations is acceptable or not. While the starting point is largely of resistance, when examining specific uses, audiences express nuanced opinions across a range of different applications, and our findings highlight the areas they seem more comfortable accepting as well as those that are more likely danger areas, where news organisations will want to tread lightly or entirely avoid.  

Our findings show audiences are most open to AI uses that are behind the scenes and areas where AI can help improve their experiences using news, providing more personalised and accessible information. They are less comfortable when it comes to public-facing content, sensitive or important topics, and synthetic videos or images that may come across as real, and where the consequences of error are viewed as most consequential. Overall, there is consensus that a human should always be in the loop and complete automation should be off limits. 

Carefully threading the needle when it comes to disclosing the use of AI will be crucial for publishers concerned with audience trust, as will be explaining to audiences what AI use in journalism looks like. Excessive or vague labelling may scare off individuals with already low trust and/or those with limited knowledge about what these uses entail, who will likely default to negative assumptions. But failing to provide audiences with information they may want to decide what news to use and trust could equally prove damaging. 

These are still early days, and public attitudes towards the application of AI in journalism will continue to evolve, especially as the balance between abstract considerations and more practical experience shifts if larger parts of the public use AI tools more in their personal and professional life. At present, many are clear that there are areas they think should remain in the hands of humans. These kinds of work – which require human emotion, judgement, and connection – are where publishers will want to keep humans front and centre. 

1 See ONS and Pew Research Center . 

3 https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:5f3db236-dd1c-4822-aa02-ce2d03fc61f7/files/s9306t097c

• Perspectives on trust in news
• The use of AI in journalism
• Audiences and user needs
• How much people pay for news
• The rise of news influencers
• Lee en español
• Country and market data
• Methodology