Drawing conclusions

Understanding Drawing Conclusions

• Drawing conclusions in research refers to the interpretation of the data that has been collected.
• It involves making inferences, forming judgments and making decisions.
• Researchers should make concluding statements based on what the data reveal or suggest.
• Conclusions should be a reflection of the research questions and objectives.

Steps in Drawing Conclusions

• Summarise findings: The first step in drawing conclusions is to summarise the main findings of the study. The findings are a summary of the data obtained.
• Interpret results: Interpret the results of the study. Your interpretation must be based upon the research question and the results of your analysis.
• Compare with previous research: Any conclusion should also compare the findings with those from previous research. It is important to place your findings within the context of the larger body of research.
• Formulate explanations: Formulate plausible explanations for the findings. Researchers should seek to understand why the results happened as they did based on the data collected.

Significance of Conclusions

• The significance of conclusions can be found in their capacity to suggest new directions for future research.
• Conclusions should shed light on the research problem, filling gaps in current knowledge.
• It’s important to note the limitations of your conclusions, as they are bound by the methods and data of your study.

Potential Pitfalls in Drawing Conclusions

• Overgeneralisation: Drawing conclusions that are too broad for the data provided is risky and may jeopardise the trustworthiness of the research.
• Ignoring conflicting data: Researchers should not overlook or dismiss contradictory evidence. All data, even that which does not support the hypothesis, should be acknowledged.
• Drawing conclusions not supported by data: The conclusions drawn should be supported by the facts presented in the study.
• Researcher bias: Personal beliefs and inclinations can potentially interfere with the conclusion-drawing process. Researchers must aim to be as objective as possible.

Reviewing Conclusions Made By Others

• When evaluating others’ research, be critical of the conclusions made.
• Examine the methodology used and the scope of the data. Are the conclusions appropriate given these factors?
• Look for potential bias or subjectivity in the conclusions.
• Consider alternative conclusions that could be drawn from the same data.
• Ensure that the conclusions answer the original research question and objectives.