Avoid These 6 Dissertation Conclusion Mistakes: Expert Insights

Introduction

Welcome to another informative episode of Grad Coach TV, where we aim to demystify and simplify the complex world of academic research. In this episode, we delve into the dissertation and thesis writing process, focusing on the conclusion chapter. Dissertation coaches David Fair and Ruth Coetzer discuss six common mistakes they frequently encounter in students' conclusion chapters. This discussion draws upon the extensive resources available on the Grad Coach blog, a treasure trove of information on research-related topics, and introduces viewers to Grad Coach's one-on-one coaching service for personalized research project guidance.

Mistake 1: Not Articulating Achievement of Research Aims Clearly

The conclusion chapter should effectively close the loop opened in the introduction by clearly articulating how the study achieved its research aims. It's essential to directly link the research outcomes to the aims without delving into lengthy explanations. A simple statement summarizing how the research addressed the aims by finding or doing specific actions can significantly enhance the conclusion's clarity and impact.

Mistake 2: Duplicating Content Between Conclusion and Other Chapters

A common pitfall is overlapping content between the conclusion and discussion chapters. While the discussion chapter provides an in-depth analysis of each research question and objective, the conclusion should offer a higher-level summary of how the study addressed its overall aim. Avoid treating the conclusion as an abstract; instead, focus on summarizing key findings, recommendations, and limitations.

Mistake 3: Not Being Convincing About Findings and Contributions

It's crucial to be clear and convincing about your study's findings and their contributions to existing literature and practice. Reflect on the type of research conducted and emphasize how it advances knowledge, informs practice, or suggests directions for future research. Balancing firmness with humility when discussing the significance of your findings is key.

Mistake 4: Insufficient Discussion of Limitations

Every study has limitations, and it's important to discuss these without undermining the research's value. Distinguish between methodological limitations and research limitations, and explain how you mitigated them. This section showcases your critical thinking and acknowledges the constraints under which the research was conducted.

Mistake 5: Lacking Specificity in Future Research Opportunities

Merely stating that "future research is needed" is insufficient. Be specific about what future research should explore, considering the limitations and unique findings of your study. Suggest practical and feasible directions for future research, keeping in mind the practicality of your recommendations.

Mistake 6: Poor Structure and Lack of Flow

A well-structured conclusion with seamless flow is essential for effectively communicating your research's outcomes and implications. Plan the conclusion's structure carefully, ensuring it mirrors the introduction and provides a cohesive summary of the research journey. Use linking phrases to improve flow and checklists to ensure all key points are covered.

Conclusion

The conclusion chapter is your opportunity to make a lasting impression on your readers. By avoiding these six common mistakes, you can craft a powerful and persuasive conclusion that clearly articulates your research's contributions and sets the stage for future work in the field. Remember, clarity, coherence, and critical thinking are your best tools for writing a compelling conclusion.

For more insights and assistance with your dissertation or thesis, visit the Grad Coach Blog and explore their one-on-one coaching services at gradcoach.com.

Watch the full episode on YouTube for a deeper understanding of how to perfect your dissertation's conclusion chapter.