future research conclusion

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.

• How to write a research paper conclusion with Paperpal? 

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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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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Home » Research Paper Conclusion – Writing Guide and Examples

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.

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How to write a strong conclusion for your research paper

Last updated

17 February 2024

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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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• How to Write Recommendations in Research | Examples & Tips

How to Write Recommendations in Research | Examples & Tips

Published on September 15, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on July 18, 2023.

Recommendations in research are a crucial component of your discussion section and the conclusion of your thesis , dissertation , or research paper .

As you conduct your research and analyze the data you collected , perhaps there are ideas or results that don’t quite fit the scope of your research topic. Or, maybe your results suggest that there are further implications of your results or the causal relationships between previously-studied variables than covered in extant research.

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Table of contents

What should recommendations look like, building your research recommendation, how should your recommendations be written, recommendation in research example, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about recommendations.

Recommendations for future research should be:

• Concrete and specific
• Supported with a clear rationale
• Directly connected to your research

Overall, strive to highlight ways other researchers can reproduce or replicate your results to draw further conclusions, and suggest different directions that future research can take, if applicable.

Relatedly, when making these recommendations, avoid:

• Undermining your own work, but rather offer suggestions on how future studies can build upon it
• Suggesting recommendations actually needed to complete your argument, but rather ensure that your research stands alone on its own merits
• Using recommendations as a place for self-criticism, but rather as a natural extension point for your work

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There are many different ways to frame recommendations, but the easiest is perhaps to follow the formula of research question   conclusion  recommendation. Here’s an example.

Conclusion An important condition for controlling many social skills is mastering language. If children have a better command of language, they can express themselves better and are better able to understand their peers. Opportunities to practice social skills are thus dependent on the development of language skills.

As a rule of thumb, try to limit yourself to only the most relevant future recommendations: ones that stem directly from your work. While you can have multiple recommendations for each research conclusion, it is also acceptable to have one recommendation that is connected to more than one conclusion.

These recommendations should be targeted at your audience, specifically toward peers or colleagues in your field that work on similar subjects to your paper or dissertation topic . They can flow directly from any limitations you found while conducting your work, offering concrete and actionable possibilities for how future research can build on anything that your own work was unable to address at the time of your writing.

See below for a full research recommendation example that you can use as a template to write your own.

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While it may be tempting to present new arguments or evidence in your thesis or disseration conclusion , especially if you have a particularly striking argument you’d like to finish your analysis with, you shouldn’t. Theses and dissertations follow a more formal structure than this.

All your findings and arguments should be presented in the body of the text (more specifically in the discussion section and results section .) The conclusion is meant to summarize and reflect on the evidence and arguments you have already presented, not introduce new ones.

The conclusion of your thesis or dissertation should include the following:

• A restatement of your research question
• A summary of your key arguments and/or results
• A short discussion of the implications of your research

For a stronger dissertation conclusion , avoid including:

• Important evidence or analysis that wasn’t mentioned in the discussion section and results section
• 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.

In a thesis or dissertation, the discussion is an in-depth exploration of the results, going into detail about the meaning of your findings and citing relevant sources to put them in context.

The conclusion is more shorter and more general: it concisely answers your main research question and makes recommendations based on your overall findings.

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How To Write The Conclusion Chapter

A Simple Explainer With Examples + Free Template

By: Jenna Crossley (PhD) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | September 2021

So, you’ve wrapped up your results and discussion chapters, and you’re finally on the home stretch – the conclusion chapter . In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to craft a high-quality conclusion chapter for your dissertation or thesis project.

Overview: The Conclusion Chapter

• What the thesis/dissertation conclusion chapter is
• What to include in your conclusion
• How to structure and write up your conclusion
• A few tips  to help you ace the chapter
• FREE conclusion template

What is the conclusion chapter?

The conclusion chapter is typically the final major chapter of a dissertation or thesis. As such, it serves as a concluding summary of your research findings and wraps up the document. While some publications such as journal articles and research reports combine the discussion and conclusion sections, these are typically separate chapters in a dissertation or thesis. As always, be sure to check what your university’s structural preference is before you start writing up these chapters.

So, what’s the difference between the discussion and the conclusion chapter?

Well, the two chapters are quite similar , as they both discuss the key findings of the study. However, the conclusion chapter is typically more general and high-level in nature. In your discussion chapter, you’ll typically discuss the intricate details of your study, but in your conclusion chapter, you’ll take a   broader perspective, reporting on the main research outcomes and how these addressed your research aim (or aims) .

A core function of the conclusion chapter is to synthesise all major points covered in your study and to tell the reader what they should take away from your work. Basically, you need to tell them what you found , why it’s valuable , how it can be applied , and what further research can be done.

Whatever you do, don’t just copy and paste what you’ve written in your discussion chapter! The conclusion chapter should not be a simple rehash of the discussion chapter. While the two chapters are similar, they have distinctly different functions.  

What should I include in the conclusion chapter?

To understand what needs to go into your conclusion chapter, it’s useful to understand what the chapter needs to achieve. In general, a good dissertation conclusion chapter should achieve the following:

• Summarise the key findings of the study
• Explicitly answer the research question(s) and address the research aims
• Inform the reader of the study’s main contributions
• Discuss any limitations or weaknesses of the study
• Present recommendations for future research

Therefore, your conclusion chapter needs to cover these core components. Importantly, you need to be careful not to include any new findings or data points. Your conclusion chapter should be based purely on data and analysis findings that you’ve already presented in the earlier chapters. If there’s a new point you want to introduce, you’ll need to go back to your results and discussion chapters to weave the foundation in there.

In many cases, readers will jump from the introduction chapter directly to the conclusions chapter to get a quick overview of the study’s purpose and key findings. Therefore, when you write up your conclusion chapter, it’s useful to assume that the reader hasn’t consumed the inner chapters of your dissertation or thesis. In other words, craft your conclusion chapter such that there’s a strong connection and smooth flow between the introduction and conclusion chapters, even though they’re on opposite ends of your document.

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How to write the conclusion chapter

Now that you have a clearer view of what the conclusion chapter is about, let’s break down the structure of this chapter so that you can get writing. Keep in mind that this is merely a typical structure – it’s not set in stone or universal. Some universities will prefer that you cover some of these points in the discussion chapter , or that you cover the points at different levels in different chapters.

Step 1: Craft a brief introduction section

As with all chapters in your dissertation or thesis, the conclusions chapter needs to start with a brief introduction. In this introductory section, you’ll want to tell the reader what they can expect to find in the chapter, and in what order . Here’s an example of what this might look like:

This chapter will conclude the study by summarising the key research findings in relation to the research aims and questions and discussing the value and contribution thereof. It will also review the limitations of the study and propose opportunities for future research.

Importantly, the objective here is just to give the reader a taste of what’s to come (a roadmap of sorts), not a summary of the chapter. So, keep it short and sweet – a paragraph or two should be ample.

Step 2: Discuss the overall findings in relation to the research aims

The next step in writing your conclusions chapter is to discuss the overall findings of your study , as they relate to the research aims and research questions . You would have likely covered similar ground in the discussion chapter, so it’s important to zoom out a little bit here and focus on the broader findings – specifically, how these help address the research aims .

In practical terms, it’s useful to start this section by reminding your reader of your research aims and research questions, so that the findings are well contextualised. In this section, phrases such as, “This study aimed to…” and “the results indicate that…” will likely come in handy. For example, you could say something like the following:

This study aimed to investigate the feeding habits of the naked mole-rat. The results indicate that naked mole rats feed on underground roots and tubers. Further findings show that these creatures eat only a part of the plant, leaving essential parts to ensure long-term food stability.

Be careful not to make overly bold claims here. Avoid claims such as “this study proves that” or “the findings disprove existing the existing theory”. It’s seldom the case that a single study can prove or disprove something. Typically, this is achieved by a broader body of research, not a single study – especially not a dissertation or thesis which will inherently have significant  limitations . We’ll discuss those limitations a little later.

Step 3: Discuss how your study contributes to the field

Next, you’ll need to discuss how your research has contributed to the field – both in terms of theory and practice . This involves talking about what you achieved in your study, highlighting why this is important and valuable, and how it can be used or applied.

In this section you’ll want to:

• Mention any research outputs created as a result of your study (e.g., articles, publications, etc.)
• Inform the reader on just how your research solves your research problem , and why that matters
• Reflect on gaps in the existing research and discuss how your study contributes towards addressing these gaps
• Discuss your study in relation to relevant theories . For example, does it confirm these theories or constructively challenge them?
• Discuss how your research findings can be applied in the real world . For example, what specific actions can practitioners take, based on your findings?

Be careful to strike a careful balance between being firm but humble in your arguments here. It’s unlikely that your one study will fundamentally change paradigms or shake up the discipline, so making claims to this effect will be frowned upon . At the same time though, you need to present your arguments with confidence, firmly asserting the contribution your research has made, however small that contribution may be. Simply put, you need to keep it balanced .

Step 4: Reflect on the limitations of your study

Now that you’ve pumped your research up, the next step is to critically reflect on the limitations and potential shortcomings of your study. You may have already covered this in the discussion chapter, depending on your university’s structural preferences, so be careful not to repeat yourself unnecessarily.

There are many potential limitations that can apply to any given study. Some common ones include:

• Sampling issues that reduce the generalisability of the findings (e.g., non-probability sampling )
• Insufficient sample size (e.g., not getting enough survey responses ) or limited data access
• Low-resolution data collection or analysis techniques
• Researcher bias or lack of experience
• Lack of access to research equipment
• Time constraints that limit the methodology (e.g. cross-sectional vs longitudinal time horizon)
• Budget constraints that limit various aspects of the study

Discussing the limitations of your research may feel self-defeating (no one wants to highlight their weaknesses, right), but it’s a critical component of high-quality research. It’s important to appreciate that all studies have limitations (even well-funded studies by expert researchers) – therefore acknowledging these limitations adds credibility to your research by showing that you understand the limitations of your research design .

That being said, keep an eye on your wording and make sure that you don’t undermine your research . It’s important to strike a balance between recognising the limitations, but also highlighting the value of your research despite those limitations. Show the reader that you understand the limitations, that these were justified given your constraints, and that you know how they can be improved upon – this will get you marks.

Next, you’ll need to make recommendations for future studies. This will largely be built on the limitations you just discussed. For example, if one of your study’s weaknesses was related to a specific data collection or analysis method, you can make a recommendation that future researchers undertake similar research using a more sophisticated method.

Another potential source of future research recommendations is any data points or analysis findings that were interesting or surprising , but not directly related to your study’s research aims and research questions. So, if you observed anything that “stood out” in your analysis, but you didn’t explore it in your discussion (due to a lack of relevance to your research aims), you can earmark that for further exploration in this section.

Essentially, this section is an opportunity to outline how other researchers can build on your study to take the research further and help develop the body of knowledge. So, think carefully about the new questions that your study has raised, and clearly outline these for future researchers to pick up on.

Step 6: Wrap up with a closing summary

Tips for a top-notch conclusion chapter

Now that we’ve covered the what , why and how of the conclusion chapter, here are some quick tips and suggestions to help you craft a rock-solid conclusion.

• Don’t ramble . The conclusion chapter usually consumes 5-7% of the total word count (although this will vary between universities), so you need to be concise. Edit this chapter thoroughly with a focus on brevity and clarity.
• Be very careful about the claims you make in terms of your study’s contribution. Nothing will make the marker’s eyes roll back faster than exaggerated or unfounded claims. Be humble but firm in your claim-making.
• Use clear and simple language that can be easily understood by an intelligent layman. Remember that not every reader will be an expert in your field, so it’s important to make your writing accessible. Bear in mind that no one knows your research better than you do, so it’s important to spell things out clearly for readers.

Hopefully, this post has given you some direction and confidence to take on the conclusion chapter of your dissertation or thesis with confidence. If you’re still feeling a little shaky and need a helping hand, consider booking a free initial consultation with a friendly Grad Coach to discuss how we can help you with hands-on, private coaching.

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17 Comments

Really you team are doing great!

Your guide on writing the concluding chapter of a research is really informative especially to the beginners who really do not know where to start. Im now ready to start. Keep it up guys

Really your team are doing great!

Very helpful guidelines, timely saved. Thanks so much for the tips.

This post was very helpful and informative. Thank you team.

A very enjoyable, understandable and crisp presentation on how to write a conclusion chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks Jenna.

This was a very helpful article which really gave me practical pointers for my concluding chapter. Keep doing what you are doing! It meant a lot to me to be able to have this guide. Thank you so much.

Nice content dealing with the conclusion chapter, it’s a relief after the streneous task of completing discussion part.Thanks for valuable guidance

Thanks for your guidance

I get all my doubts clarified regarding the conclusion chapter. It’s really amazing. Many thanks.

Very helpful tips. Thanks so much for the guidance

Thank you very much for this piece. It offers a very helpful starting point in writing the conclusion chapter of my thesis.

It’s awesome! Most useful and timely too. Thanks a million times

Bundle of thanks for your guidance. It was greatly helpful.

Wonderful, clear, practical guidance. So grateful to read this as I conclude my research. Thank you.

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How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper

• Posted on May 12, 2023

The key to an impactful research paper is crafting an effective conclusion. The conclusion provides a final opportunity to make a lasting impression on the reader by providing a powerful summary of the main argument and key findings.

A well-written conclusion not only summarizes your research but also ties everything back to your thesis statement. Plus, it provides important takeaways for your reader, highlighting what they should remember from your research and how it contributes to the larger academic discourse.

Crafting an impactful conclusion can be tricky, especially in argumentative papers. However, with our expert tips and tricks, you can rest assured that your conclusion will effectively restate the main argument and thesis statement in a way that resonates with your audience and elevates your research to new heights.

Why is a Conclusion Necessary for a Research Paper? 

The conclusion of a research paper is essential in tying together the different parts of the paper and offering a final perspective on the topic. It reinforces the main idea or argument presented and summarizes the key points and findings of the research, highlighting its significance. 

Additionally, the conclusion creates a full circle of the research by connecting back to the thesis statement presented at the paper’s beginning. It provides an opportunity to showcase the writer’s critical thinking skills by demonstrating how the research supports the main argument.

The conclusion is essential for a research paper because it provides closure for the reader. It serves as a final destination that helps the reader understand how all the different pieces of information fit together to support the main argument presented. It also offers insights into how the research can inform future studies and contribute to the larger academic discourse.

It also ensures that the reader does not get lost in the vast amount of information presented in the paper by providing a concise and coherent summary of the entire research. Additionally, it helps the reader identify the paper’s main takeaway and understand how the research contributes to the larger body of knowledge in the field.

Leave a Lasting Impression

A well-crafted conclusion is an essential element of any research paper. Its purpose is to leave a lasting impression on the reader and tie together the different parts of the paper.

To achieve this goal, a conclusion should summarize the main points and highlight the key findings of the research. By doing so, the reader can easily understand the focus and significance of the study.

A strong conclusion should also discuss any important findings that can be applied in the real world. This practical perspective gives readers a better sense of the impact and relevance of the research.

Summarize Your Thoughts

The conclusion of a research paper should be concise and provide a summary of the writer’s thoughts and ideas about the research. 

It should go beyond simply restating the main points and findings and address the “so what” of the research by explaining how it contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the same topic. This way, the conclusion can give readers a better understanding of the research’s significance and relevance to the broader academic community.

Demonstrate How Important Your Idea Is

Moving beyond a superficial overview and delving into the research in-depth is crucial to create a compelling conclusion. This entails summarizing the key findings of the study, highlighting its main contributions to the field, and placing the results in a broader context. Additionally, it would help if you comprehensively analyzed your work and its implications, underscoring its value to the broader academic community. 

New Insights

The conclusion section of a research paper offers an opportunity for the writer to present new insights and approaches to addressing the research problem.

Whether the research outcome is positive or negative, the conclusion provides a platform to discuss practical implications beyond the scope of the research paper. This discussion can help readers understand the potential impact of the research on the broader field and its significance for future research endeavors.

How to Write a Killer Conclusion with Key Points

When writing a conclusion for a research paper, it is important to cover several key points to create a solid and effective conclusion.

Restate the Thesis

When crafting a conclusion, restating the thesis statement is an important step that reminds readers of the research paper’s central focus. However, it should not be a verbatim repetition of the introduction. 

By restating the thesis concisely and clearly, you can effectively tie together the main ideas discussed in the body of the paper and emphasize the significance of the research question. However, keep in mind that the restated thesis should capture the essence of the paper and leave the reader with a clear understanding of the main topic and its importance.

Summarize the Main Points

To write an impactful conclusion, summarizing the main points discussed in the body of the paper is essential. This final section provides the writer with a last opportunity to highlight the significance of their research findings. 

However, it is equally important to avoid reiterating information already discussed in the body of the paper. Instead, you should synthesize and summarize the most significant points to emphasize the key findings. By doing so, the conclusion can effectively tie together the research findings and provide a clear understanding of the importance of the research topic.

Discuss the Results or Findings

The next step is to discuss the results or findings of the research. The discussion of the results or findings should not simply be a repetition of the information presented in the body of the paper.

Instead, it should provide a more in-depth analysis of the significance of the findings. This can involve explaining why the findings are important, what they mean in the context of the research question, and how they contribute to the field or area of study. 

Additionally, it’s crucial to address any limitations or weaknesses of the study in this section. This can provide a more balanced and nuanced understanding of the research and its implications. By doing so, the reader will have a better understanding of the scope and context of the study, which can ultimately enhance the credibility and validity of the research.

Ruminate on Your Thoughts

The final step to crafting an effective conclusion is to ruminate on your thoughts. This provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of the research and leaves the reader with something to ponder. Remember, the concluding paragraph should not introduce new information but rather summarize and reflect on the critical points made in the paper.

Furthermore, the conclusion should be integrated into the paper rather than presented as a separate section. It should provide a concise overview of the main findings and suggest avenues for further research.

Different Types of Conclusions 

There are various types of conclusions that can be employed to conclude a research paper effectively, depending on the research questions and topic being investigated.

Summarizing

Summarizing conclusions are frequently used to wrap up a research paper effectively. They restate the thesis statement and provide a brief overview of the main findings and outcomes of the research. This type of conclusion serves as a reminder to the reader of the key points discussed throughout the paper and emphasizes the significance of the research topic.

To be effective, summarizing conclusions should be concise and to the point, avoiding any new information not previously discussed in the body of the paper. Moreover, they are particularly useful when there is a clear and direct answer to the research question. This allows you to summarize your findings succinctly and leave the reader with a clear understanding of the implications of the research.

Externalizing

On the opposite end of the spectrum are externalizing conclusions. Unlike summarizing conclusions, externalizing conclusions introduce new ideas that may not be directly related to the research findings. This type of conclusion can be beneficial because it broadens the scope of the research topic and can lead to new insights and directions for future research.

By presenting new ideas, externalizing conclusions can challenge conventional thinking in the field and open up new avenues for exploration. This approach is instrumental in fields where research is ongoing, and new ideas and approaches are constantly being developed.

Editorial conclusions are a type of conclusion that allows the writer to express their commentary on the research findings. They can be particularly effective in connecting the writer’s insights with the research conducted and can offer a unique perspective on the research topic. Adding a personal touch to the conclusion can help engage the reader and leave a lasting impression.

Remember that regardless of the type of conclusion you choose, it should always start with a clear and concise restatement of the thesis statement, followed by a summary of the main findings in the body paragraphs. The first sentence of the conclusion should be impactful and attention-grabbing to make a strong impression on the reader.

What to Avoid in Your Conclusion

When crafting your conclusion, it’s essential to keep in mind several key points to ensure that it is effective and well-received by your audience:

• Avoid introducing new ideas or topics that have not been covered in the body of your paper.
• Refrain from simply restating what has already been said in your paper without adding new insights or analysis.
• Do not apologize for any shortcomings or limitations of your research, as this can undermine the importance of your findings.
• Avoid using overly emotional or flowery language, as it can detract from the professionalism and objectivity of the research.
• Lastly, avoid any examples of plagiarism. Be sure to properly cite any sources you have used in your research and writing.

Example of a Bad Conclusion

• Recapitulation without Insight: In conclusion, this paper has discussed the importance of exercise for physical and mental health. We hope this paper has been helpful to you and encourages you to start exercising today.
• Introduction of New Ideas: In conclusion, we have discussed the benefits of exercise and how it can improve physical and mental health. Additionally, we have highlighted the benefits of a plant-based diet and the importance of getting enough sleep for overall well-being.
• Emotional Language: In conclusion, exercise is good for your body and mind, and you should definitely start working out today!

Example of a Good Conclusion

• Insights and Implications: In light of our investigation, it is evident that regular exercise is undeniably beneficial for both physical and mental well-being, especially if performed at an appropriate duration and frequency. These findings hold significant implications for public health policies and personal wellness decisions.
• Limitations and Future Directions: While our investigation has shed light on the benefits of exercise, our study is not without limitations. Future research can delve deeper into the long-term effects of exercise on mental health and explore the impact of exercise on specific populations, such as older adults or individuals with chronic health conditions.
• Call to Action: In conclusion, we urge individuals to prioritize exercise as a critical component of their daily routine. By making exercise a habit, we can reap the many benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.

Final Thoughts 

When writing a research paper, the conclusion is one of the most crucial elements to leave a lasting impression on the reader. It should effectively summarize the research and provide valuable insights, leaving the reader with something to ponder.

To accomplish this, it is essential to include vital elements, such as restating the thesis , summarizing the main points, and discussing the findings. However, it is equally important to avoid common mistakes that can undermine the effectiveness of the conclusion, such as introducing new information or repeating the introduction. 

So to ensure that your research is of the highest quality, it’s crucial to use proper citations and conduct a thorough literature review. Additionally, it is crucial to proofread the work to eliminate any errors. 

Fortunately, there are many available resources to help you with both writing and plagiarism prevention. Quetext , for example, offers a plagiarism checker, citation assistance, and proofreading tools to ensure the writing is top-notch. By incorporating these tips and using available resources, you can create a compelling and memorable conclusion for readers. 

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Trikalinos TA, Dahabreh IJ, Lee J, et al. Defining an Optimal Format for Presenting Research Needs [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2011 Jun. (Methods Future Research Needs Reports, No. 3.)

Defining an Optimal Format for Presenting Research Needs [Internet].

Discussion and conclusions.

Future research needs recommendations are valuable inputs for researchers, funders, and advocates making decisions about avenues for future scientific exploration. We performed an empirical evaluation of the published literature to appreciate the variability in the presentation of information on future research needs. We found that most systematic reviews, meta-analyses, or economic analyses do not focus on future research needs, and any referral to future research is most often cursory. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses often call for additional randomized trials, while economic analyses are more diverse in their suggestions.

In qualitative discussions with experts, we identified a number of general themes. The discussions were quickly saturated, and while additional one-to-one interviews could have generated more themes, it is unclear whether these would have been of major importance for defining the optimal format for presenting future research needs. An unanticipated theme from the qualitative interviews was that specificity in the recommendations for future research is not universally and unconditionally viewed as a desirable attribute. The rationale is that specific descriptions could be perceived as too prescriptive or restrictive, and in the extreme they may have unintended consequences, such as opposing the paradigm of investigator-initiated research. Experts disagreed on the importance of this point. Nevertheless it is probably prudent to take this point into account when reporting assessments of future research needs, and all experts agreed that proper framing of the future research needs documents could address this concern. A survey of a large and representative sample of potential users of future research needs assessments would clarify whether such reactions are prevalent. If yes, it would be also interesting to understand why some users are prone to seeing even moderately specific recommendations with skepticism. Ideology, cultural norms, or professional self-interests may be explanations.

Several limitations need to be considered when interpreting our results. First, we only recruited four experts for our qualitative interviews; hence, our results should be considered hypothesis forming and not representative of all stakeholders. However, the purpose of the qualitative interviews was to identify general themes with respect to the way different stakeholders would approach a document presenting and discussing future research needs, and not necessarily to get a representative quantification of different opinions. The optimal research design to quantify the frequency of different opinions is a survey using a representative sampling scheme, rather than qualitative interviews or even focus groups.

Regarding our empirical assessment of secondary research manuscripts, we focused on high impact general journals (for systematic reviews) or highly specialized technical journals (for cost-effectiveness/utility analyses). Thus our empirical assessment of future research presentation is not be generalizable to all journals. If anything, because even in these “top-tier” journals the presentation of implications for future research was fairly cursory and informal, the situation is unlikely to be better in other research outlets. Further, determining future research needs is not the primary focus of systematic reviews and cost-effectiveness/utility analyses. Therefore it is doubtful that including a broader set of journals would change the essence of our conclusions.

The concept of a stand-alone document on future research needs is probably new to most of the individuals approached, and additional discussion is likely needed regarding potential uses prior to making very specific recommendations on the optimal presentation of future research needs documents. We outline the following preliminary recommendations for presenting future research needs documents, based on the results of the empirical assessment and the qualitative interviews:

• Provide succinct yet adequate description of methods and results, following guidelines for reporting of health care research (for example, reporting guidelines for qualitative research 8–11 and modeling 12–15 ). Aim for a level of detail similar to that found in papers addressed to a general medical audience.
• Be cognizant of the importance of the face validity of the process. Justify the selection of the stakeholders who participated in the identification or prioritization of research needs, and be clear about their degree of engagement.
• Consider reporting the results of the future research needs assessment at two levels of detail. A suggestion would be to first present general areas that merit future research without specifying research designs or specific details on, for example, PICO elements. A second set of results could elaborate further on potential research designs, details on PICO elements, or other details as applicable.
• Frame the more specific set of results as “examples” rather than strict recommendations.
• Avoid explicit prioritization of research needs when there are no clear differences in the perceived strength of alternative recommendations. A general prioritization of future research recommendations as of “high,” “medium,” or “low” importance may be more appropriate than an explicit numerical ranking. Consider a grouped presentation of future research needs by thematic entities.
• Clearly define how the feasibility of future research was assessed. It may be instructive to perform power analyses for specific research designs for a range of assumptions, and to compare the results with the size and type of existing studies in the field. For example, trials are typically more resource-intensive than secondary analyses of existing data.
• Cite this Page Trikalinos TA, Dahabreh IJ, Lee J, et al. Defining an Optimal Format for Presenting Research Needs [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2011 Jun. (Methods Future Research Needs Reports, No. 3.) Discussion and Conclusions.
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How to write a conclusion for a research paper

Embarking on the final stage of how to write a conclusion to a research paper requires a meticulous approach. A compelling conclusion reiterates the research problem, summarizes the findings, and sows seeds for future scholarly endeavors while underlining implications and offering actionable insights. Let’s explore the structured path of how to end a research paper meaningfully.

Revisiting the Issue: Ensuring a Holistic Circle

Returning to the research problem not only brings your reader back to the core of your investigation but also sets a concise stage for a compelling, cohesive closure, reflecting on the journey and explorations undertaken throughout the paper.

Articulating a Comprehensive Summary

Knowing how to close a research paper effectively often pivots on your capability to tie together the various insights and findings in a coherent, succinct manner. It’s vital to summarize them in a digestible format that reinforces the major takeaways, bridging initial hypotheses, or questions with the findings unveiled through the research.

For Argumentative Papers

· Reasserting Thesis and Arguments : Your conclusion should resound with the initial thesis and arguments, affirming them through the explored evidence and discussions.

· A Summative Reflection : The summary should encapsulate your major arguments and debates, offering a coherent narrative that underscores your thesis and the evidential support presented throughout the paper.

For Empirical Papers

· Highlighting Key Discoveries : Ensure that the critical findings of your research are spotlighted, delineating the patterns and insights that have been unearthed through your investigation.

· Summarizing with Clarity : Deliver a summary that kindles the memory of your findings, ensuring their significance and relation to initial hypotheses are clearly articulated.

Delving into Implications and Future Pathways

Implications lend your research palpable relevance, offering bridges between your findings and the broader theoretical or practical landscapes of your field.

Culminating Argumentative Papers

· Creating a Robust Closing Statement : Conclude with a potent statement that echoes with your main thesis and arguments, ensuring your research firmly integrates within the broader academic dialogue.

· Elevating with a Call to Action : If your research identifies specific issues or pinpoints a need for particular interventions, ensuring a call to action is integrated becomes vital.

Paving Future Avenues in Empirical Papers

• Signposting Future Research : Highlight the trajectories for future exploration, identifying any gaps or limitations in your study that might seed further investigations.

Offering Practical Conclusion Examples

Providing tangible examples often brings theoretical concepts to life, offering a practical lens through which the steps to concluding research can be viewed.

An Argumentative Paper Conclusion Example

"Despite the exponential advancements in renewable energy technologies, global reliance on fossil fuels persistently intertwines with numerous economic and policy-driven barriers. This research aimed to illuminate and navigate through these barriers towards establishing a viable pathway for sustainable energy transitions."

An Empirical Paper Conclusion Example

"In exploring the psychosocial impacts of urban green spaces on inhabitants, a significant correlation between mental wellness and frequent interaction with urban greenery was identified. While the findings hold implications for urban planning and mental health interventions, they also spotlight potential avenues for further exploration, particularly in dissecting the sociodemographic nuances sculpting these correlations."

In conclusion, crafting a comprehensive, succinct, and impactful research paper conclusion revolves around restating the problem, summarizing findings, discussing implications, and illustrating with examples. This ensures your research resonates, offering a firm, coherent closure and establishing a springboard for future scholarly explorations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the primary purpose of a conclusion in a research paper? The conclusion serves to summarize the key findings and arguments of the research paper, restate the research problem, discuss the implications of the findings, and potentially propose directions for future research. It provides closure by bringing together all the points discussed in the paper and demonstrating the overall significance of the study.
• How can I restate the research problem in the conclusion without sounding repetitive? To avoid sounding repetitive, try to rephrase the research problem by providing a new perspective or angle that was developed through the findings of the study. Connect it with the evidence or arguments presented in the body of the paper, thereby showcasing a matured understanding of the issue as the research unfolded.
• How do I ensure that my conclusion effectively summarizes the main findings of my research? Begin by revisiting your research objectives or questions and then succinctly present the most vital findings that address these aspects. Be clear and direct, ensuring each point directly relates to the objectives or questions. Avoid introducing new information and focus on providing a brief, coherent summary that encapsulates the essence of your research outcomes.
• Is it appropriate to introduce new ideas or points in the conclusion section of a research paper? No, the conclusion should not introduce new ideas or points that were not discussed in the body of the paper. It is meant to summarize and synthesize the information already provided, offering a wrap-up of the research findings and discussing their broader implications.
• Can the conclusion of a research paper include a call to action? Yes, including a call to action in the conclusion is appropriate, especially in research that addresses societal issues, policy matters, or practical problems. A call to action urges readers or the relevant stakeholders to act in a specific way, often providing clear, actionable steps that are derived from the research findings and discussions. This can provide practical applications for your research and potentially inspire change or further studies.

Note that the specifics might vary slightly based on the research field or the nature of the research, but these general guidelines and answers typically hold true across disciplines.

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Writing An Accurate Conclusion In A Research Study: 5 Step-By-Step Guide

Introduction.

When conducting a research study, it is crucial to provide a well-written and accurate conclusion. The conclusion serves as the final piece of the puzzle, summarizing the main findings, interpreting the results, addressing limitations, providing recommendations, and reiterating the importance of the study. A well-crafted conclusion in a research study not only helps to solidify the research study but also allows readers to understand the significance of the findings and their implications.

In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of writing an accurate conclusion in a research study. By following these steps, you will be able to effectively summarize your findings, analyze the results, acknowledge any limitations, offer recommendations, and emphasize the importance of your study. So let’s dive in and learn how to write the most accurate conclusion in a research study.

Understanding the Role of a Conclusion In A Research Study

The conclusion of a research study plays a crucial role in summarizing the main findings and providing closure to the study. It is not simply a restatement of the research problem or a summary of the main topics covered. Instead, it is a synthesis of the key points derived from the study. The purpose of a conclusion is to leave a lasting impression on the reader and prompt reflection and contemplation. A well-crafted conclusion goes beyond summarizing the findings; it emphasizes the importance of the study and provides recommendations for future research or action. In essence, the conclusion serves as the final opportunity to convey the significance of the research and its contribution to the field.

Step 1: Summarize the Main Findings

The first step in writing an accurate conclusion for a research study is to summarize the main findings. This is an essential part of the conclusion as it allows the reader to quickly understand the key results of the study. To summarize the main findings, you should revisit the research statement or question that guided your study. Identify the key points or outcomes that answer the research question or support the research statement. In this step, you should avoid introducing new information or discussing any implications or recommendations. The focus should solely be on summarizing the main findings of the study.

It is important to be concise and clear in your summary. Use clear and straightforward language to communicate the main findings without unnecessary jargon or technical terms. By summarizing the main findings in this step, you provide a foundation for the rest of the conclusion, allowing the reader to understand the key results before delving into the interpretation, limitations, and recommendations.

Step 2: Interpret the Results

After summarizing the main findings, the next step in writing an accurate conclusion in a research study is to interpret the results. Interpreting the results involves analyzing the data collected during the study and drawing meaningful conclusions from it. To interpret the results effectively, it is important to consider the research question or hypothesis and compare the findings with existing literature reviews or previous studies. This step allows researchers to determine the significance of their findings and understand the implications of the results. It is essential to provide a clear and concise interpretation of the results, avoiding any biased or subjective opinions. Researchers should objectively analyze the data and present the findings in an unbiased manner.

Additionally, it is important to discuss any unexpected or contradictory results and provide possible explanations for them. By interpreting the results accurately, researchers can provide a comprehensive understanding of the study’s outcomes and contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field.

Step 3: Address Limitations

Identify the limitations of your research study and describe them in detail. Explain why these limitations exist and how they may have affected the results. Assess the impact of each limitation in relation to the overall findings and conclusions of your study. If appropriate, suggest ways to overcome these limitations in future research.

Step 4: Provide Recommendations

After interpreting the results of your research study, it is important to provide recommendations based on your findings. When providing recommendations, it is crucial to be specific and relevant to the evidence you have uncovered. Your recommendations should stem directly from your work and address any gaps or limitations identified in your study.

Consider recommending a specific course of action or suggesting changes that can be implemented based on your research findings. This could include proposing new strategies, interventions, or policies that can improve the current situation or address the research problem . To lend authority to your recommendations, you can cite relevant quotations or expert opinions that support the conclusions you have reached. This helps to strengthen the validity and credibility of your recommendations.

Additionally, you can also make recommendations for future research. Identify areas that require further investigation or suggest new research questions that can build upon your study. This demonstrates the significance and potential impact of your research in advancing knowledge in the field. Remember to present your recommendations in clear and concise language. Avoid simply restating your findings or the discussion of your results. Instead, provide actionable and practical suggestions that can be implemented based on your research findings.

By providing well-thought-out recommendations, you not only contribute to the existing body of knowledge but also provide guidance for future researchers and practitioners in the field.

Step 5: Reiterate the Importance of the Study

The final step in writing an accurate conclusion in a research study is to reiterate the importance of the study. This step is crucial as it reminds the readers of the significance and relevance of the research. To reiterate the importance of the study, you can start by summarizing the main findings and their implications. Highlight the key contributions and insights that your research has provided to the field. Emphasize how your study has addressed a gap in the existing knowledge and how it has advanced the understanding of the topic.

Furthermore, discuss the practical implications of your research. Explain how the findings can be applied in real-world scenarios or how they can contribute to decision-making processes. This will demonstrate the practical value of your study and its potential impact on various stakeholders.

Additionally, consider discussing the theoretical implications of your research. Explain how your findings have contributed to existing theories or have opened up new avenues for further research. This will highlight the academic significance of your study and its potential to shape future research in the field.

Finally, conclude by emphasizing the overall importance of your study in the broader context. Discuss how your research has added to the body of knowledge and how it has the potential to influence future research, policies, or practices. This will leave a lasting impression on the readers and reinforce the significance of your study.

By reiterating the importance of the study in the conclusion, you provide a strong and compelling ending to your research paper . Including this in the conclusion of a research study helps readers understand the value of your research and its implications, leaving them with a clear sense of its significance and relevance.

In conclusion, writing an accurate conclusion in a research study is crucial for summarizing the main findings, interpreting the results, addressing limitations, providing recommendations, and reiterating the importance of the study. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, researchers can ensure that their conclusions are comprehensive, concise, and impactful.

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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.

Surviving Grad School

(and hopefully thriving), how to write: future work/conclusions.

This post is the final part of a series on how to write a paper. The first was on  abstracts , the second on  introductions , the third on  related work  and fourth on methodology and analysis of results .

I’m combining future work and conclusions into a single post since they are often found combined in a single section in a paper. While a conclusion is always necessary, sometimes people don’t include future work. While I don’t think it’s always necessary to have a future work section, I would argue that it’s always worthwhile to include some mention of future work.

Let’s start with Future Work .

The future work section is a place for you to explain to your readers where you think the results can lead you. What do you think are the next steps to take? What other questions do your results raise? Do you think certain paths seem to be more promising than others?

Another way to look at the future work section, is a way to sort of “claim” an area of research. This is not to say that others can’t research the same things, but if your paper gets published, it’s out there that you had the idea. This lets people know what you’re thinking of doing next and they may ask to collaborate if your future research area crosses over theirs.

If you do include a future work section, it should be pretty short. The goal should not be to go into a bunch of details, but instead just a sentence or two explaining each idea. It should just provide enough information as to a possible research path and why the path may be important. Motivation is always key in research. I stressed earlier that you need to motivate your research. This also applies to future work. If you can’t motivate a good reason to continue research down some path, then why should/would you?

Conclusions

Conclusions are the last section people read in your paper, and therefore it’s what they leave remembering. You need to make sure they walk away thinking about your paper just the way you want them to.

Your conclusions needs to do three main things:

• Recap what you did. In about one paragraph recap what your research question was and how you tackled it.
• Highlight the big accomplishments. Spend another paragraph explaining the highlights of your results. These are the main results you want the reader to remember after they put down the paper, so ignore any small details.
• Conclude. Finally, finish off with a sentence or two that wraps up your paper. I find this can often be the hardest part to write. You want the paper to feel finished after they read these. One way to do this, is to try and tie your research to the “real world.” Can you somehow relate how your research is important outside of academia? Or, if your results leave you with a big question, finish with that. Put it out there for the reader to think about to.
• Optional  Before you conclude, if you don’t have a future work section, put in a paragraph detailing the questions you think arise from the work and where you think researchers need to be looking next.

Things to not  do in your conclusion:

• Introduce new information. The conclusion is for wrapping up everything you’ve done. It’s not a place to say “oh yeah, and we also got result y.” All results should be first presented and detailed in the result section. Think of the conclusion as a place to reflect on what you’ve already said earlier in the paper.
• Directly re-quote anything you’ve already written. I’ve seen conclusions that are almost identical to the abstract or a collection of sentences from throughout the paper. As a reader, it makes me think the author was lazy and couldn’t be bothered to actually summarize their results for the paper. Take the time to write a proper conclusion so that the reader walks away with good thoughts about your work.
• Write a conclusion longer than your introduction. A conclusion should be short, and to the point. You’ll rarely see them over 3 paragraphs, and three is often long. A lot of the time they are usually only one or two. Think about a conclusion as a chance to see how concisely you can summarize your entire research project. It’s your “30 second” research spiel .

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A guide to surviving grad school…, questions to think about before deciding on grad school, “the disposable academic”, why every grad student should be a ta at least once, can you get into grad school, 2 thoughts on “ how to write: future work/conclusions ”.

hi akajb, thanks for sharing this series! it helps me a lot, i hope it will stay online for a long time!

thanks for this. very helpful for my research paper 🙂

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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.

Organizing Academic Research Papers: 9. The Conclusion

• Purpose of Guide
• Design Flaws to Avoid
• Glossary of Research Terms
• Narrowing a Topic Idea
• Broadening a Topic Idea
• Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
• Academic Writing Style
• Choosing a Title
• Making an Outline
• Paragraph Development
• Executive Summary
• Background Information
• The Research Problem/Question
• Theoretical Framework
• Citation Tracking
• Content Alert Services
• Evaluating Sources
• Primary Sources
• Secondary Sources
• Tertiary Sources
• What Is Scholarly vs. Popular?
• Qualitative Methods
• Quantitative Methods
• Using Non-Textual Elements
• Limitations of the Study
• Common Grammar Mistakes
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Footnotes or Endnotes?
• Further Readings
• Annotated Bibliography
• Dealing with Nervousness
• Using Visual Aids
• Grading Someone Else's Paper
• How to Manage Group Projects
• Multiple Book Review Essay
• Reviewing Collected Essays
• About Informed Consent
• Writing Field Notes
• Writing a Policy Memo
• Writing a Research Proposal
• Acknowledgements

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 your points or a re-statement of your research problem but a synthesis of key points. For most essays, one well-developed paragraph is sufficient for a conclusion, although in some cases, a two-or-three paragraph conclusion may be required.

Importance of a Good Conclusion

A well-written conclusion provides you with several important opportunities to demonstrate your overall understanding of the research problem to the reader. 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 points in your analysis or findings.
• Summarizing your thoughts and conveying the larger implications of your study . The conclusion is an opportunity to succinctly answer the "so what?" question by placing the study within the context of past research about the topic you've investigated.
• Demonstrating the importance of your ideas . Don't be shy. The conclusion offers you a chance to elaborate on the significance of your findings.
• 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/contextualizing the research problem based on the results of your study.

Conclusions . The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Kretchmer, Paul. Twelve Steps to Writing an Effective Conclusion . San Francisco Edit, 2003-2008.

Structure and Writing Style

https://writing.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/535/2018/07/conclusions_uwmadison_writingcenter_aug2012.pdf I.  General Rules

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

• State your conclusions in clear, simple language.
• Do not simply reiterate your results or the discussion.
• Indicate opportunities for future research, as long as you haven't already done so in the discussion section of your paper.

The function of your paper's conclusion is to restate the main argument . It reminds the reader of the strengths of your main argument(s) and reiterates the most important evidence supporting those argument(s). Make sure, however, that your conclusion is not simply a repetitive summary of the findings because this reduces the impact of the argument(s) you have developed in your essay.

Consider the following points to help ensure your conclusion is appropriate:

• If the argument or point 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.

The conclusion also provides a place for you to persuasively and succinctly restate your 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, or on the essay's central research problem. However, the nature of being introspective about the research you have done will depend on the topic and whether your professor wants you to express your observations in this way.

NOTE : Don't 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.

II.  Developing a Compelling Conclusion

Strategies to help you move beyond merely summarizing the key points of your research paper may include any of the following.

• If your essay deals with a contemporary problem, warn readers of the possible consequences of not attending to the problem.
• Recommend a specific course or courses of action.
• Cite a relevant quotation or expert opinion to lend authority to the conclusion you have reached [a good place to look is research from your literature review].
• Restate a key statistic, fact, or visual image to drive home the ultimate point of your paper.
• If your discipline encourages personal reflection, illustrate your concluding point with a relevant narrative drawn from your own life experiences.
• Return to an anecdote, an example, or a quotation that you introduced in your introduction, but add further insight that is derived from the findings of your study; use your interpretation of results to reframe it in new ways.
• Provide a "take-home" message in the form of a strong, succient statement that you want the reader to remember about your study.

III. Problems to Avoid Failure to be concise The conclusion section should be concise and to the point. Conclusions that are too long often have unnecessary detail. The conclusion section 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, etc. that you make. Failure to comment on larger, more significant issues In the introduction, your task was to move from general [the field of study] to specific [your research problem]. However, in the conclusion, your task is to move from specific [your research problem] back to general [your field, i.e., how your research contributes new understanding or fills an important gap in the literature]. In other words, the conclusion is where you place your research within a larger context. Failure to reveal problems and negative results Negative aspects of the research process should never be ignored. Problems, drawbacks, and challenges encountered during your study should be included as a way of qualifying your overall conclusions. If you encountered negative results [findings that are validated outside the research context in which they were generated], you must report them in the results section of your paper. In the conclusion, use the negative results as an opportunity to explain how they provide information on which future research can be based. Failure to provide a clear summary of what was learned In order to be able to discuss how your research fits back into your field of study [and possibly the world at large], you need to summarize it briefly and directly. Often this element of your conclusion is only a few sentences long. Failure to match the objectives of your research Often research objectives change while the research is being carried out. This is not a problem unless you forget to go back and refine your 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 now 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 by saying something like, "This is just one approach to examining this problem; there may be other, much better approaches...."

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; 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 to read, when an essay is about to end. You'll irritate your readers if you belabor the obvious.

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. If you have new information to present, add it to the Discussion or other appropriate section of the paper.  Note that, although no actual new information is introduced, the conclusion is where you offer your most "original" contributions in the paper; it's where you describe the value of your research, demonstrate your understanding of the material that you’ve presented, and locate your findings within the larger context of scholarship on the topic.

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How to Write the Conclusion and Future Work section of Your Dissertation or Thesis?

The conclusion and future work section of a PhD or Post Graduate dissertation serves as the pivotal culmination of extensive research, critical analysis, and scholarly exploration. It is the chapter where the researcher brings their study to a satisfying closure, summarizing the main findings, discussing their implications, and paving the way for future investigations. In this discussion, we will delve into the intricacies of crafting an impactful conclusion and future work section, focusing on their purpose, significance, and key elements.

The conclusion and future work section holds paramount importance in a dissertation, as it encapsulates the essence of the entire research endeavor. It provides a concise and comprehensive summary of the study’s outcomes, reinforcing the significance of the research questions and objectives. By carefully crafting this section, researchers not only reinforce the value of their own work but also contribute to the broader body of knowledge in their respective fields.

Within the conclusion section, the researcher has the opportunity to restate the research questions and objectives, emphasizing their relevance and the study’s focus. This serves as a gentle reminder to the reader, bringing them back to the core aspects of the research. Additionally, summarizing the main findings allows for a concise overview of the research outcomes, enabling readers to grasp the key insights and discoveries at a glance. Moreover, discussing the implications of the findings showcases the researcher’s understanding of how their work contributes to the existing knowledge in the field, addresses gaps, and potentially influences future practices or theories.

Equally crucial is the future work section, which demonstrates the researcher’s awareness of the study’s limitations and presents directions for future research. By acknowledging the constraints and suggesting potential avenues for further investigation, the researcher invites future scholars to build upon the current work, advancing the field and propelling innovation. It is through this section that researchers showcase their thought leadership and forward-thinking mindset, leaving a lasting impact on the academic community.

In the following sections, we will explore the art of writing a conclusion for PhD or Post Graduate dissertation. We will delve into the importance of restating the research questions and objectives, summarizing the main findings, discussing the implications, reflecting on the significance of the research, and providing a concise summary. Additionally, we will examine the significance of the future work section, highlighting its purpose in demonstrating awareness of limitations and offering directions for future research.

By meticulously crafting the conclusion and future work section, researchers can not only conclude their dissertation effectively but also make a lasting impression on readers and inspire the next generation of scholars to push the boundaries of knowledge in their respective fields.

Let us now embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of writing an exceptional conclusion and future work section in a dissertation.

If you are in paucity of time, not confident of your writing skills and in a hurry to complete the writing task then you can think of hiring a research consultant that solves all your problems. Please visit my article on Hiring a Research consultant for your research tasks for further details.

Introduction

A. restating the research questions/objectives, b. summarizing the main findings, c. discussing the implications, d. reflecting on the significance of the research, e. providing a concise summary, writing the future work.

In a dissertation, the conclusion section serves as a crucial component that brings together the research findings and provides a comprehensive summary of the study. It allows researchers to reflect on the implications of their work and discuss potential future directions. – The future work section, on the other hand, highlights the researcher’s awareness of the study’s limitations and provides suggestions for further research to build upon the current work.

The conclusion section consolidates the main findings and insights from the research, emphasizing the significance of the study. It allows the researcher to demonstrate the impact of their work and its contributions to the field.

The future work section offers a forward-looking perspective by identifying areas that warrant further investigation, addressing research gaps, and proposing potential extensions or improvements to the existing research.

Example 1: In the field of computer vision , the conclusion section of a dissertation might summarize the key findings and insights obtained from developing a novel object detection algorithm. It could discuss the algorithm’s performance in terms of accuracy and efficiency, highlighting its potential applications in various domains such as autonomous vehicles, surveillance systems, and medical imaging. The conclusion might also reflect on the challenges faced during the research and suggest improvements or alternative approaches to enhance the algorithm’s performance in future work.

Example 2: In the domain of natural language processing , the conclusion section could summarize the results of a dissertation focused on sentiment analysis in social media data. It might discuss the effectiveness of the proposed sentiment analysis model in capturing the nuances of sentiments expressed in user-generated content. The conclusion could emphasize the practical implications of the research, such as aiding businesses in understanding customer feedback and improving their products or services. The future work section might suggest exploring multilingual sentiment analysis, investigating sentiment evolution over time, or incorporating contextual information for more accurate sentiment classification.

By providing these examples, researchers can understand how the conclusion and future work sections serve as essential components of a dissertation, allowing them to effectively communicate the significance of their research and guide future studies.

Writing the Conclusion

Restating the research questions or objectives in the conclusion section is crucial as it helps the reader remember the main purpose of the study. It serves as a reminder of the specific goals and objectives that guided the research process.

For instance:

“The primary research question of this study aimed to investigate the feasibility of accurately classifying sentiment in social media posts using machine learning techniques. In pursuit of this goal, we designed and implemented a novel sentiment analysis system and evaluated its effectiveness on a diverse dataset. By restating the research question and objectives, we emphasize the primary aim of the study and provide the reader with a clear reminder of the research’s specific focus.”

Restating the research questions or objectives in the conclusion helps create a cohesive conclusion by maintaining the connection between the findings and the original research intent. It allows the reader to see how the research directly addresses the initial questions or objectives.

Summarizing the main findings in the conclusion allows the reader to quickly grasp the essential outcomes of the research. It provides a condensed overview of the key results and insights gained from the study.

Example: Building upon the previous example of developing an automated sentiment analysis system for social media data, let’s consider the main findings of the study. The findings may include the accuracy achieved by the developed system, comparisons with existing approaches, and insights into the challenges and limitations of sentiment analysis in the social media domain.

In the conclusion section, summarizing the main findings would involve providing a concise overview of the key results and insights. For instance:

“Our findings demonstrate that the developed sentiment analysis system achieved an accuracy of 85% on the social media dataset, outperforming existing state-of-the-art approaches by a significant margin. This highlights the effectiveness of incorporating contextual information and deep learning techniques for sentiment classification. Furthermore, the study shed light on the challenges of sentiment analysis in social media due to the presence of slang, abbreviations, and contextual nuances. These insights emphasize the importance of developing robust models that can handle the intricacies of social media data.”

By summarizing the main findings, researchers allow readers to gain a quick understanding of the crucial outcomes and insights obtained from the study. It helps readers identify the key contributions and impact of the research in a concise manner. Summarizing the main findings also assists readers in connecting the dots between the research questions or objectives and the results obtained, providing a clear and coherent picture of the research outcomes.

Moreover, a well-crafted summary of the main findings serves as a reference point for readers, enabling them to recall the significant results without revisiting the entire dissertation. It allows researchers to convey the core contributions of their study efficiently and reinforces the value and relevance of the research in the field of computer science.

Continuing from the previous example of developing an automated sentiment analysis system for social media data, let’s consider the implications of the findings, the research’s contribution to the existing knowledge, and the limitations addressed in the conclusion section.

Discussing the implications of the findings in the conclusion helps provide a broader understanding of the research’s significance. It allows the researcher to explore the practical and theoretical implications of the results and their potential impact on the field.

“The findings of this study have significant implications for various domains relying on sentiment analysis, such as brand monitoring, market research, and customer feedback analysis. The high accuracy achieved by our sentiment analysis system demonstrates its potential for real-world applications, enabling organizations to gain valuable insights from social media data. The system’s ability to handle contextual nuances and accurately classify sentiment can help businesses make informed decisions and enhance customer satisfaction.”

Analyzing how the research contributes to the existing knowledge in the field helps situate the study within the broader research landscape. It allows the researcher to demonstrate how their work fills gaps, extends current understanding, or challenges existing theories or practices.

“The findings of this study have significant implications for various domains relying on sentiment analysis, such as brand monitoring, market research, and customer feedback analysis. The high accuracy achieved by our sentiment analysis system demonstrates its potential for real-world applications, enabling organizations to gain valuable insights from social media data. The system’s ability to handle contextual nuances and accurately classify sentiment can help businesses make informed decisions and enhance customer satisfaction.” Addressing the limitations or constraints of the study in the conclusion section shows the researcher’s awareness of the study’s boundaries. It also provides an opportunity to suggest areas for future research, building upon the current study’s findings.

“This study contributes to the existing knowledge in sentiment analysis by incorporating deep learning techniques and contextual information specific to social media data. Our research extends current understanding by demonstrating the effectiveness of leveraging these approaches for improved sentiment classification. Additionally, the insights gained from addressing the challenges of sentiment analysis in the social media domain contribute to the ongoing discourse on refining sentiment analysis models for diverse text sources.”

Reflecting on the significance and impact of the research in the broader context of the field allows the researcher to highlight the relevance and importance of their work. It helps the reader understand the broader implications and potential contributions of the research.

Example: Continuing from the previous example of developing an automated sentiment analysis system for social media data

Significance and Impact:

“Reflecting on the significance and impact of our research reveals its potential to revolutionize sentiment analysis methodologies. By developing an accurate sentiment analysis system tailored to social media data, our study addresses a critical need in today’s digitally connected world. The insights gained from this research have far-reaching implications for understanding public sentiment, market trends, and brand perception. Our work has the potential to empower businesses and organizations with actionable insights, leading to informed decision-making and improved customer satisfaction.”

Advancement of Knowledge and Filling Gaps in Existing Literature:

“Our study contributes to advancing the knowledge in sentiment analysis by addressing several gaps in the existing literature. By incorporating deep learning techniques and considering the contextual nuances specific to social media data, our research provides a fresh perspective on sentiment analysis approaches. We extend current understanding by showcasing the effectiveness of these techniques in improving sentiment classification accuracy. Additionally, our work sheds light on the challenges of sentiment analysis in the social media domain, highlighting areas where further research and refinement are required.”

Practical Implications in Real-World Scenarios:

“The practical implications of our research are significant, with potential applications in various domains. Our sentiment analysis system can be leveraged by businesses for brand monitoring, customer feedback analysis, and market research. It enables organizations to gain valuable insights into customer sentiment, enabling them to identify areas for improvement, monitor brand reputation, and make informed business decisions. Furthermore, our work opens avenues for the development of new tools and applications that can assist in sentiment analysis across diverse social media platforms.”

By reflecting on the significance and impact of the research, researchers convey the broader relevance and importance of their work. It allows readers to understand the potential contributions and implications of the research in a wider context.

Explaining how the study advances knowledge and fills gaps in existing literature demonstrates the originality and novelty of the research. It showcases how the research addresses unanswered questions, challenges prevailing methodologies, or provides new insights, thereby contributing to the growth of the field.

Considering the potential practical implications of the research in real-world scenarios helps highlight its relevance and application. It allows researchers to discuss how the findings can be implemented or used to solve real-world problems, thereby bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications.

Overall, by reflecting on the significance and impact, explaining the advancement of knowledge and filling gaps, and considering practical implications, researchers highlight the broader implications and potential contributions of their research. It allows readers to appreciate the relevance, novelty, and practicality of the study, paving the way for future advancements in the field of study.

A concise summary within the conclusion section plays a pivotal role in reinforcing the main points and takeaways from the research. By distilling the essential findings, implications, and future research directions, researchers ensure that readers grasp the core essence of their work.

Highlighting the key points discussed throughout the dissertation reaffirms the significance and contributions of the research. It allows readers to quickly grasp the overarching themes and outcomes, reinforcing the main arguments and supporting evidence presented in the study. By providing a condensed overview of the research, researchers ensure that the core messages resonate with readers, leaving a lasting impact.

A concise and impactful summary also aids in information retention. As readers progress through a lengthy dissertation, a well-crafted summary serves as a mental anchor, reinforcing the most salient aspects of the study. It enables readers to revisit and recall the main findings, implications, and future research possibilities long after they have completed reading the document.

To achieve a concise and impactful summary, researchers should focus on extracting the most relevant and significant elements from each section of the dissertation. They should avoid repetition and prioritize clarity and precision in their language. By distilling complex ideas into digestible snippets, researchers ensure that their summary effectively encapsulates the core essence of their research.

Example: Continuing from the previous example of developing an automated sentiment analysis system for social media data, let’s explore how a concise summary within the conclusion section helps reinforce the main points and takeaways from the research.

“In conclusion, our study on developing an automated sentiment analysis system for social media data has demonstrated significant advancements in the field. By incorporating deep learning techniques and considering contextual nuances, we achieved an accuracy of 85%, surpassing existing state-of-the-art approaches. The practical implications of our research are substantial, with potential applications in brand monitoring, market research, and customer feedback analysis.

Furthermore, our findings contribute to the existing knowledge in sentiment analysis by filling gaps in the literature. We highlight the challenges posed by social media data, such as slang and contextual nuances, and propose future research directions for handling these complexities. This study underscores the importance of refining sentiment analysis models to cater to the unique characteristics of social media platforms.

In summary, our research not only advances sentiment analysis methodologies but also offers valuable insights for businesses and organizations seeking to harness the power of social media data. We emphasize the need for further exploration in adapting sentiment analysis to different domains and languages, as well as refining models to handle sarcasm and irony. Overall, our work showcases the relevance and potential impact of sentiment analysis in today’s digital age.”

In conclusion, a concise summary within the conclusion section is an invaluable tool for reinforcing the main takeaways from the research. By highlighting the key points and delivering them in a concise and impactful manner, researchers leave readers with a clear understanding of the study’s significance and contributions. A well-crafted summary ensures that the main findings and implications resonate with readers long after they have completed reading the dissertation, solidifying the research’s impact in the field.

Including a future work section in a dissertation is significant as it demonstrates the researcher’s understanding of the study’s limitations and the potential for further research. It acknowledges that research is an iterative process and provides valuable insights for future researchers in the field.

The future work section showcases the researcher’s awareness of the limitations and constraints of their study. It acknowledges that there may be unanswered questions, unexplored avenues, or areas that require further investigation. By providing directions for future research, the researcher contributes to the continuous advancement of knowledge in their field.

Example1 : Continuing from the previous example of developing an automated sentiment analysis system for social media data, let’s explore how including a future work section in the conclusion acknowledges the study’s limitations and offers valuable insights for future research.

“The inclusion of a future work section in this dissertation is crucial in acknowledging the limitations of our study and providing a roadmap for future research endeavors. While our research has made significant advancements in sentiment analysis for social media data, several areas warrant further investigation.

Firstly, the scalability of our sentiment analysis system can be explored to handle large volumes of data in real-time. As social media platforms continue to grow, the need for efficient and scalable sentiment analysis techniques becomes paramount.

Additionally, investigating the generalizability of our model across different languages and cultural contexts is an exciting avenue for future research. Adapting sentiment analysis techniques to diverse languages, understanding regional variations in sentiment expressions, and accounting for cultural nuances can enhance the applicability of sentiment analysis in a global context.

Moreover, exploring the integration of multimodal data, such as text, images, and videos, presents an intriguing opportunity. Sentiment analysis systems that can effectively analyze and interpret multimodal content have the potential to offer deeper insights into user sentiments and experiences.

Furthermore, the ethical implications of sentiment analysis in terms of privacy, bias, and fairness need to be thoroughly investigated. Designing and implementing ethical guidelines and frameworks for sentiment analysis can ensure responsible and unbiased use of these technologies.

By including a future work section, we recognize that research is an ongoing process and acknowledge the possibilities for further exploration. This section serves as a valuable resource for future researchers in the field, providing a starting point and suggesting intriguing directions for their investigations.

In summary, the future work section of this dissertation highlights the limitations of our study and opens up exciting avenues for future research. The research community can build upon our work to address the identified challenges, expand the scope of sentiment analysis, and develop more robust and context-aware models. By continually advancing the field, we can enhance the accuracy, applicability, and ethical use of sentiment analysis techniques in the digital age.” Example 2: In the field of data mining, a dissertation might propose a new algorithm for anomaly detection in large-scale datasets. In the future work section, the researcher can acknowledge the limitations of the proposed algorithm, such as its performance on specific types of anomalies or scalability to even larger datasets. They can suggest investigating techniques to handle these challenges, exploring the application of the algorithm to different domains, or evaluating its performance under various real-world scenarios. This demonstrates the researcher’s awareness of the study’s limitations and provides clear directions for future research in improving and extending the anomaly detection algorithm. Example 3: In the domain of computer networks, a dissertation focused on improving network performance might present a novel congestion control mechanism. In the future work section, the researcher can acknowledge potential limitations in the mechanism, such as its adaptability to dynamic network conditions or its interoperability with different network protocols. They can suggest conducting further experiments to evaluate the mechanism’s performance in more complex network topologies, exploring its integration with emerging network technologies, or investigating the impact of various parameters on its effectiveness. This showcases the researcher’s awareness of the study’s limitations and provides concrete guidance for future researchers interested in advancing network performance optimization.

By including a future work section in a dissertation, researchers demonstrate their awareness of the study’s limitations and contribute to the ongoing progress in their field. Providing directions for future research guides the efforts of future researchers and fosters the continuous development of knowledge and innovation.

The conclusion and future work section of a PhD or Post Graduate dissertation holds immense significance as it brings the research journey to a satisfying close while setting the stage for future explorations. Throughout this discussion, we have explored the key elements and best practices for crafting an impactful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on readers.

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FUTURE RESEARCH

Types of future research suggestion.

The Future Research section of your dissertation is often combined with the Research Limitations section of your final, Conclusions chapter. This is because your future research suggestions generally arise out of the research limitations you have identified in your own dissertation. In this article, we discuss six types of future research suggestion. These include: (1) building on a particular finding in your research; (2) addressing a flaw in your research; examining (or testing) a theory (framework or model) either (3) for the first time or (4) in a new context, location and/or culture; (5) re-evaluating and (6) expanding a theory (framework or model). The goal of the article is to help you think about the potential types of future research suggestion that you may want to include in your dissertation.

Before we discuss each of these types of future research suggestion, we should explain why we use the word examining and then put or testing in brackets. This is simply because the word examining may be considered more appropriate when students use a qualitative research design; whereas the word testing fits better with dissertations drawing on a quantitative research design. We also put the words framework or model in brackets after the word theory . We do this because a theory , framework and model are not the same things. In the sections that follow, we discuss six types of future research suggestion.

Addressing research limitations in your dissertation

Building on a particular finding or aspect of your research, examining a conceptual framework (or testing a theoretical model) for the first time, examining a conceptual framework (or testing a theoretical model) in a new context, location and/or culture.

• Expanding a conceptual framework (or testing a theoretical model)

Re-evaluating a conceptual framework (or theoretical model)

In the Research Limitations section of your Conclusions chapter, you will have inevitably detailed the potential flaws (i.e., research limitations) of your dissertation. These may include:

An inability to answer your research questions

Theoretical and conceptual problems

Limitations of your research strategy

Problems of research quality

Identifying what these research limitations were and proposing future research suggestions that address them is arguably the easiest and quickest ways to complete the Future Research section of your Conclusions chapter.

Often, the findings from your dissertation research will highlight a number of new avenues that could be explored in future studies. These can be grouped into two categories:

Your dissertation will inevitably lead to findings that you did not anticipate from the start. These are useful when making future research suggestions because they can lead to entirely new avenues to explore in future studies. If this was the case, it is worth (a) briefly describing what these unanticipated findings were and (b) suggesting a research strategy that could be used to explore such findings in future.

Sometimes, dissertations manage to address all aspects of the research questions that were set. However, this is seldom the case. Typically, there will be aspects of your research questions that could not be answered. This is not necessarily a flaw in your research strategy, but may simply reflect that fact that the findings did not provide all the answers you hoped for. If this was the case, it is worth (a) briefly describing what aspects of your research questions were not answered and (b) suggesting a research strategy that could be used to explore such aspects in future.

You may want to recommend that future research examines the conceptual framework (or tests the theoretical model) that you developed. This is based on the assumption that the primary goal of your dissertation was to set out a conceptual framework (or build a theoretical model). It is also based on the assumption that whilst such a conceptual framework (or theoretical model) was presented, your dissertation did not attempt to examine (or test) it in the field . The focus of your dissertations was most likely a review of the literature rather than something that involved you conducting primary research.

Whilst it is quite rare for dissertations at the undergraduate and master's level to be primarily theoretical in nature like this, it is not unknown. If this was the case, you should think about how the conceptual framework (or theoretical model) that you have presented could be best examined (or tested) in the field . In understanding the how , you should think about two factors in particular:

What is the context, location and/or culture that would best lend itself to my conceptual framework (or theoretical model) if it were to be examined (or tested) in the field?

What research strategy is most appropriate to examine my conceptual framework (or test my theoretical model)?

If the future research suggestion that you want to make is based on examining your conceptual framework (or testing your theoretical model) in the field , you need to suggest the best scenario for doing so.

More often than not, you will not only have set out a conceptual framework (or theoretical model), as described in the previous section, but you will also have examined (or tested) it in the field . When you do this, focus is typically placed on a specific context, location and/or culture.

If this is the case, the obvious future research suggestion that you could propose would be to examine your conceptual framework (or test the theoretical model) in a new context, location and/or culture. For example, perhaps you focused on consumers (rather than businesses), or Canada (rather than the United Kingdom), or a more individualistic culture like the United States (rather than a more collectivist culture like China).

When you propose a new context, location and/or culture as your future research suggestion, make sure you justify the choice that you make. For example, there may be little value in future studies looking at different cultures if culture is not an important component underlying your conceptual framework (or theoretical model). If you are not sure whether a new context, location or culture is more appropriate, or what new context, location or culture you should select, a review the literature will often help clarify where you focus should be.

Expanding a conceptual framework (or theoretical model)

Assuming that you have set out a conceptual framework (or theoretical model) and examined (or tested) it in the field , another series of future research suggestions comes out of expanding that conceptual framework (or theoretical model).

We talk about a series of future research suggestions because there are so many ways that you can expand on your conceptual framework (or theoretical model). For example, you can do this by:

Examining constructs (or variables) that were included in your conceptual framework (or theoretical model) but were not focused.

Looking at a particular relationship aspect of your conceptual framework (or theoretical model) further.

Adding new constructs (or variables) to the conceptual framework (or theoretical model) you set out (if justified by the literature).

It would be possible to include one or a number of these as future research suggestions. Again, make sure that any suggestions you make have are justified , either by your findings or the literature.

With the dissertation process at the undergraduate and master's level lasting between 3 and 9 months, a lot a can happen in between. For example, a specific event (e.g., 9/11, the economic crisis) or some new theory or evidence that undermines (or questions) the literature (theory) and assumptions underpinning your conceptual framework (or theoretical model). Clearly, there is little you can do about this. However, if this happens, reflecting on it and re-evaluating your conceptual framework (or theoretical model), as well as your findings, is an obvious source of future research suggestions.

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• Published: 08 August 2024

Research progress and intellectual structure of design for digital equity (DDE): A bibliometric analysis based on citespace

• Baoyi Zhang   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-4479-7587 1  

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications volume  11 , Article number:  1019 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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• Cultural and media studies
• Science, technology and society

Digital equity is imperative for realizing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG9 and SDG10. Recent empirical studies indicate that Design for Digital Equity (DDE) is an effective strategy for achieving digital equity. However, before this review, the overall academic landscape of DDE remained obscure, marked by substantial knowledge gaps. This review employs a rigorous bibliometric methodology to analyze 1705 DDE-related publications, aiming to delineate DDE’s research progress and intellectual structure and identify research opportunities. The retrieval strategy was formulated based on the PICo framework, with the process adhering to the PRISMA systematic review framework to ensure transparency and replicability of the research method. CiteSpace was utilized to visually present the analysis results, including co-occurrences of countries, institutions, authors, keywords, emerging trends, clustering, timeline analyses, and dual-map overlays of publications. The results reveal eight significant DDE clusters closely related to user-centered design, assistive technology, digital health, mobile devices, evidence-based practices, and independent living. A comprehensive intellectual structure of DDE was constructed based on the literature and research findings. The current research interest in DDE lies in evidence-based co-design practices, design issues in digital mental health, acceptance and humanization of digital technologies, digital design for visually impaired students, and intergenerational relationships. Future research opportunities are identified in DDE’s emotional, cultural, and fashion aspects; acceptance of multimodal, tangible, and natural interaction technologies; needs and preferences of marginalized groups in developing countries and among minority populations; and broader interdisciplinary research. This study unveils the multi-dimensional and inclusive nature of methodological, technological, and user issues in DDE research. These insights offer valuable guidance for policy-making, educational strategies, and the development of inclusive digital technologies, charting a clear direction for future research.

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Digital competence in adolescents and young adults: a critical analysis of concomitant variables, methodologies and intervention strategies

Introduction.

Digital equity has emerged as a critical factor in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG10 (Reduced Inequalities) (United Nations, 2021 ; UNSD 2023 ), amidst the rapid evolution of digital technologies. In our increasingly digitalized society, these technologies amplify and transform existing social inequalities while offering numerous benefits, leading to more significant disparities in access and utilization (Grybauskas et al., 2022 ). This situation highlights the critical need for strategies that promote equitable digital participation, ensuring alignment with the overarching objectives of the SDGs. Digital equity, a multi-faceted issue, involves aspects such as the influence of cultural values on digital access (Yuen et al., 2017 ), the challenges and opportunities of technology in higher education (Willems et al., 2019 ), and the vital role of government policies in shaping digital divides (King & Gonzales, 2023 ), and the impact on healthcare access and delivery (Lawson et al., 2023 ). Equally important are the socioeconomic factors that intersect with digital equity (Singh, 2017 ) and the pressing need for accessible digital technologies for disabled individuals (Park et al., 2019 ). These issues are observed globally, necessitating diverse and inclusive strategies.

Design thinking, in addressing issues of social equality and accessibility, plays an essential role in accessibility (Persson et al., 2015 ; Dragicevic et al., 2023a ); in other words, it serves as a crucial strategy for reducing social inequality. Indeed, design strategies focused on social equality, also known as Equity-Centered Design (Oliveri et al., 2020 ; Bazzano et al., 2023 ), are diverse, including universal design (Mace ( 1985 )), Barrier-free design (Cooper et al., 1991 ), inclusive design (John Clarkson, Coleman ( 2015 )), and Design for All (Bendixen & Benktzon, 2015 ). Stanford d.school has further developed the Equity-Centered Design Framework based on its design thinking model (Stanford d.school, 2016 ) to foster empathy and self-awareness among designers in promoting equality. Equity-centered approaches are also a hot topic in academia, especially in areas like education (Firestone et al., 2023 ) and healthcare (Rodriguez et al., 2023 ). While these design approaches may have distinct features and positions due to their developmental stages, national and cultural contexts, and the issues they address, Equity-Centered Design consistently plays a vital role in achieving the goal of creating accessible environments and products, making them accessible and usable by individuals with various abilities or backgrounds (Persson et al., 2015 ).

Equity-centered design initially encompassed various non-digital products, but with the rapid advancement of digitalization, it has become increasingly critical to ensure that digital technologies are accessible and equitable for all users. This can be referred to as Design for Digital Equity (DDE). However, the current landscape reveals a significant gap in comprehensive research focused on Design for Digital Equity (DDE). This gap highlights the need for more focused research and development in this area, where bibliometrics can play a significant role. Through systematic reviews and visualizations, bibliometric analysis can provide insights into this field’s intellectual structure, informing and guiding future research directions in digital equity and design.

Bibliometrics, a term first coined by Pritchard in 1969 (Broadus, 1987 ), has evolved into an indispensable quantitative tool for analyzing scholarly publications across many research fields. This method, rooted in the statistical analysis of written communication, has significantly enhanced our understanding of academic trends and patterns. Its application spans environmental studies (Wang et al., 2021 ), economics (Qin et al., 2021 ), big data (Ahmad et al., 2020 ), energy (Xiao et al., 2021 ), medical research (Ismail & Saqr, 2022 ) and technology acceptance (Wang et al., 2022 ). By distilling complex publication data into comprehensible trends and patterns, bibliometrics has become a key instrument in shaping our understanding of the academic landscape and guiding future research directions.

In bibliometrics, commonly used tools such as CiteSpace (Chen, 2006 ), VOSviewer (Van Eck, Waltman ( 2010 )), and HistCite (Garfield, 2009 ) are integral for advancing co-citation analysis and data visualization. Among these, CiteSpace, developed by Professor Chen (Chen, 2006 ), is a Java-based tool pivotal in advancing co-citation analysis for data visualization and analysis. Renowned for its integration of burst detection, betweenness centrality, and heterogeneous network analysis, it is essential in identifying research frontiers and tracking trends across various domains. Chen demonstrates the versatility of CiteSpace in various fields, ranging from regenerative medicine to scientific literature, showcasing its proficiency in extracting complex insights from data sets (Chen, 2006 ). Its structured methodology, encompassing time slicing, thresholding, and more, facilitates comprehensive analysis of co-citations and keywords. This enhances not only the analytical capabilities of CiteSpace but also helps researchers comprehend trends within specific domains. (Chen et al. 2012 ; Ping et al. 2017 ). Therefore, CiteSpace is a precious tool in academic research, particularly for disciplines that require in-depth analysis of evolving trends and patterns.

After acknowledging the significance of DDE in the rapidly evolving digital environment, it becomes imperative to explore the academic contours of this field to bridge knowledge gaps, a critical prerequisite for addressing social inequalities within digital technology development. We aim to scrutinize DDE’s research progress and intellectual structure, analyzing a broad spectrum of literature with the aid of bibliometric and CiteSpace methodologies. Accordingly, four research questions (RQs) have been identified to guide this investigation. The detailed research questions are as follows:

RQ1: What are the trends in publications in the DDE field from 1995 to 2023?

RQ2: Who are the main contributors, and what are the collaboration patterns in DDE research?

RQ3: What are the current research hotspots in DDE?

RQ4: What is the intellectual structure and future trajectory of DDE?

The remainder of this paper is structured as follows: The Methods section explains our bibliometric approach and data collection for DDE research. The Results section details our findings on publication trends and collaborative networks, addressing RQ1 and RQ2. The Discussion section delves into RQ3 and RQ4, exploring research hotspots and the intellectual structure of DDE. The Conclusion section summarizes our study’s key insights.

In this article, the systematic review of DDE follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines (PRISMA 2023 ), which are evidence-based reporting guidelines for systematic review reports (Moher et al., 2010 ). PRISMA was developed to enhance the quality of systematic reviews and enhance the clarity and transparency of research findings (Liberati et al., 2009 ). To achieve this goal, the research workflow in this study incorporates an online tool based on the R package from PRISMA 2020. This tool enables researchers to rapidly generate flowcharts that adhere to the latest updates in the PRISMA statement, ensuring transparency and reproducibility in the research process. This workflow comprises three major stages: Identification, Screening, and Inclusion, as illustrated in Fig. 1 .

PRISMA flowchart for the DDE systematic review.

Additionally, to obtain high-quality data sources, the Web of Science (referred to as WOS), provided by Clarivate Analytics, was chosen. WOS is typically considered the optimal data source for bibliometric research (van Leeuwen, 2006 ). The WOS Core Collection comprises over 21,000 peer-reviewed publications spanning 254 subject categories and 1.9 billion cited references, with the earliest records traceable back to 1900 (Clarivate, 2023 ). To thoroughly explore the research on DDE, this review utilized all databases within the WOS Core Collection as the source for data retrieval.

Search strategy

Developing a rational and effective search strategy is crucial for systematic reviews (Cooper et al., 2018 ), typically necessitating a structured framework to guide the process (Sayers, 2008 ). This approach ensures comprehensive and relevant literature coverage. To comprehensively and accurately assess the current state and development of “Design for Digital Equity,” this paper employs the PICo (participants, phenomena of interest, and context) model as its search strategy, a framework typically used for identifying research questions in systematic reviews (Stern et al., 2014 ). While the PICo framework is predominantly utilized within clinical settings for systematic reviews, its structured approach to formulating research questions and search strategies is equally applicable across many disciplines beyond the clinical environment. This adaptability makes it a suitable choice for exploring the multi-faceted aspects of digital equity in a non-clinical context (Nishikawa-Pacher, 2022 ).

This review, structured around the PICo framework, sets three key concepts (search term groups): Participants (P): any potential digital users; Phenomena of Interest (I): equity-centered design; Context (Co): digital equity. To explore the development and trends of DDE comprehensively, various forms of search terms are included in each PICo element. The determination of search terms is a two-stage process. In the first stage, core terms of critical concepts like equity-centered design, digital equity, and Design for Digital Equity, along with their synonyms, different spellings, and acronyms, are included in the list of candidate search terms. Wildcards (*) are used to expand the search range to ensure the inclusion of all variants and derivatives of critical terms, thus enhancing the thoroughness and depth of the search. However, studies have indicated the challenge of identifying semantically unrelated terms relevant to the research (Chen, 2018 ). To address this issue, the second phase of developing the search strategy involves reading domain-specific literature reviews using these core terms. This literature-based discovery (LBD) approach can identify hidden, previously unknown relationships, finding significant connections between different kinds of literature (Kastrin & Hristovski, 2021 ). The candidate word list is then reviewed, refined, or expanded by domain experts. Finally, a search string (Table 1 ) is constructed with all search terms under each search term group linked by the Boolean OR (this term or that term), and the Boolean links each group AND (this group of terms and that group of terms).

Inclusion criteria

Following the PRISMA process (Fig. 1 ), literature in the identification phase was filtered using automated tools based on publication data attributes such as titles, subjects, and full texts or specific criteria like publication names, publication time ranges, and types of publication sources. Given the necessity for a systematic and extensive exploration of DDE research, this review employed an advanced search using “ALL” instead of “topic” or “Title” in the search string to ensure a broader inclusion of results. No limitations were set on other attributes of the literature. The literature search was conducted on December 5, 2023, resulting in 1747 publications exported in Excel for further screening.

During the literature screening phase, the authors reviewed titles and abstracts, excluding 11 publications unrelated to DDE research. Three papers were inaccessible in the full-text acquisition phase. The remaining 1729 publications were then subjected to full-text review based on the following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eventually, 1705 papers meeting the criteria were imported into CiteSpace for analysis.

Papers were included in this review if they met the following criteria:

They encompassed all three elements of PICo: stakeholders or target users of DDE, design relevance, and digitalization aspects.

They had transparent research methodologies, whether empirical or review studies employing qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.

They were written in English.

Papers were excluded if they:

Focused solely on digital technology, unrelated to design, human, and social factors.

Contained terms with identical acronyms but different meanings, e.g., ICT stands for Inflammation of connective tissue in medicine.

Were unrelated to topics of social equality.

Were in languages other than English.

Data analysis

To comprehensively address Research Question 1: “What are the publication trends in the DDE field from 1995 to 2023?” this study utilized CiteSpace to generate annual trend line graphs for descriptive analysis. This analysis revealed the annual development trends within the DDE research field and identified vital research nodes and significant breakthroughs by analyzing the citation frequency of literature across different years. Utilizing the burst detection feature in CiteSpace, key research papers and themes were further identified, marking periods of significant increases in research activity. For Research Question 2: “Who are the main contributors to DDE research, and what are their collaboration patterns?” nodes for countries, institutions, cited authors, cited publications, and keywords were set up in CiteSpace for network analysis. Our complex network diagrams illustrate the collaboration relationships between different researchers and institutions, where the size of the nodes indicates the number of publications by each entity, and the thickness and color of the lines represent the strength and frequency of collaborations.

Additionally, critical scholars and publications that act as bridges within the DDE research network were identified through centrality analysis. In the keyword analysis, the focus was on co-occurrence, trend development, and clustering. Current research hotspots were revealed using the LSI algorithm in CiteSpace for cluster analysis, demonstrating how these hotspots have evolved over time through timeline techniques. A dual-map overlay analysis was used to reveal citation relationships between different disciplines, showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of DDE research. In the visual displays of CiteSpace, the visual attributes of nodes and links were meticulously designed to express the complex logical relationships within the data intuitively. The size of nodes typically reflects the publication volume or citation frequency of entities such as authors, institutions, countries, or keywords, with larger nodes indicating highly active or influential research focal points. The change in node color often represents the progress of research over time, with gradients from dark to light colors indicating the evolution from historical to current research. Whether solid or dashed, the outline of nodes differentiates mainstream research areas from marginal or emerging fields. The thickness and color of the lines reflect the strength of collaborations or frequency of citations, aiding in the identification of close collaborations or frequent citations. These design elements not only enhance the information hierarchy of the diagrams but also improve the usability and accuracy for users exploring and analyzing the data, effectively supporting researchers in understanding the structure and dynamics of the academic field. The subsequent research results section provides detailed descriptions for each visual element.

The first section of the Results primarily addresses RQ1: “What are the trends in publications in the DDE field from 1995 to 2023?” The subsequent sections collectively address RQ2: “Who are the main contributors, and what are the collaboration patterns in DDE research?”

Analysis of Publication Trends

Figure 2 , extracted from the WOS citation analysis report, delineates the progression of annual scholarly publications within the Design for Digital Equity field. This trend analysis resonates with de Solla Price’s model of scientific growth (Price 1963 ), beginning with a slow and steady phase before transitioning into a period of more rapid expansion. Notably, a pronounced spike in publications was observed following 2020, characterized by the global COVID-19 pandemic. This uptick indicates an acute scholarly response to the pandemic, likely propelled by the heightened need for digital equity solutions as the world adapted to unprecedented reliance on digital technologies for communication, work, and education amidst widespread lockdowns and social distancing measures. The graph presents a clear visualization of this scholarly reaction, with the peak in 2021 marking the zenith of research output, followed by a slight retraction, which may suggest a period of consolidation or a pivot towards new research frontiers in the post-pandemic era.

Trends in Scholarly Publications on Design for Digital Equity (1997–2023).

Visual analysis by countries or regions

Table 2 presents an illustrative overview of the diverse global contributions to research on “Design for Digital Equity,” including a breakdown of the number of publications, centrality, and the initial year of engagement for each participating country. The United States stands preeminent with 366 publications, affirming its central role in the domain since the mid-1990s. Despite fewer publications, the United Kingdom boasts the highest centrality, signaling its research as notably influential within the academic network since the late 1990s. Since China entered the DDE research arena in 2011, its publications have had explosive growth, reflecting rapid ascension and integration into the field. Furthermore, the extensive volume of publications from Canada and the notable centrality of Spain underscores their substantial and influential research endeavors. The table also recognizes the contributions from countries such as Germany, Italy, and Australia, each infusing unique strengths and perspectives into the evolution of DDE research.

Figure 3 , crafted within CiteSpace, delineates the collaborative contours of global research in Design for Digital Equity (DDE). Literature data are input with ‘country’ as the node type and annual segmentation for time slicing, employing the ‘Cosine’ algorithm to gauge the strength of links and the ‘g-index’ ( K  = 25) for selection criteria. The visualization employs a color gradient to denote the years of publication, with the proximity of nodes and the thickness of the interconnecting links articulating the intensity and frequency of collaborative efforts among nations. For instance, the close-knit ties between the United States, Germany, and France underscore a robust tripartite research collaboration within the DDE domain. The size of the nodes corresponds directly to the proportion of DDE publications contributed by each country. Larger nodes, such as those representing the USA and Germany, suggest more publications, indicating significant research activity and influence within the field. Purple nodes, such as those representing England and Canada, signal a strong centrality within the network, suggesting these countries contribute significantly and play a pivotal role in disseminating research findings throughout the network. The intertwining links of varying thickness reveal the nuanced interplay of collaboration: dense webs around European countries, for instance, underscore a rich tradition of continental cooperation, while transatlantic links point to ongoing exchanges between North American and European researchers. Moreover, the appearance of vibrant links extending toward Asian countries such as China and South Korea reflects the expanding scope of DDE research to encompass a truly global perspective, integrating diverse methodologies and insights as the research community tackles the universal challenges of digital equity.

Collaborative networks between countries and regions in DDE research.

Visual analysis by institutions

Table 3 presents a quantified synopsis of institutional research productivity and centrality within the Design for Digital Equity field. The University of Toronto emerges as the most prolific contributor, with 64 publications and a centrality score of 0.06, indicating a significant impact on the field since 2008. The University System of Georgia and the Georgia Institute of Technology, each with 27 and 25 publications, respectively, registering a centrality of 0.01 since 2006, denoting their sustained scholarly activity over time. The Oslo Metropolitan University, with 23 publications and a centrality of 0.02 since 2016, and the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, with 17 publications since 2009, highlight the diverse international engagement in DDE research. The table also notes the early contributions of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth System of Higher Education, with 17 publications since 2004, although its centrality remains at 0.01. Institutions such as Laval University, Monash University, and the Polytechnic University of Milan show emergent centrality in the field, with recent increases in scholarly output, as indicated by their respective publication counts of 13, 12, and 12 since 2019, 2020, and 2018. This data evidences a dynamic and growing research domain characterized by historical depth and contemporary expansion.

Figure 4 displays a network map highlighting the collaborative landscape among institutions in the field of DDE. The University of Toronto commands a central node with a substantial size, indicating its leading volume of research output. The University of Alberta and CNR exhibit nodes colored to represent earlier works in the field, establishing their roles as foundational contributors. Inter-institutional links, albeit pleasing, are observable, suggesting research collaborations. Nodes such as the University of London and the Polytechnic University of Milan, while smaller, are nonetheless integral, denoting their active engagement in DDE research. The color coding of nodes corresponds to publication years, with warmer colors indicating more recent research, providing a temporal dimension to the map. This network visualization is an empirical tool to assess the scope and scale of institutional contributions and collaborations in DDE research.

Network Map of Institutional Collaboration in DDE.

Analysis by publications

Table 4 delineates the pivotal academic publications contributing to the field, as evidenced by citation count, centrality, and publication year, offering a longitudinal perspective of influence and relevance. ‘Lecture Notes in Computer Science’ leads the discourse with 354 citations and the highest centrality of 0.10 since 2004, indicating its foundational and central role over nearly two decades. This is followed by the ‘Journal of Medical Internet Research,’ with 216 citations since 2013 and centrality of 0.05, evidencing a robust impact in a shorter timeframe. The relationship between citation count and centrality reveals a pattern of influential cores within the field. Publications with higher citation counts generally exhibit greater centrality, suggesting that they are reference points within the academic network and instrumental in shaping the digital equity narrative. The thematic diversity of the publications—from technology-focused to health-oriented publications like ‘Computers in Human Behavior’ and ‘Disability and Rehabilitation’—reflects the interdisciplinary nature of research in digital equity, encompassing a range of issues from technological access to health disparities. ‘CoDesign,’ despite its lower position with 101 citations since 2016 and centrality of 0.01, represents the burgeoning interest in participatory design practices within the field. Its presence underscores the evolving recognition of collaborative design processes as essential to achieving digital equity, particularly in the later years where user-centered design principles are increasingly deemed critical for inclusivity in digital environments.

Visual analysis by authors

Table 5 enumerates the most influential authors in the domain of DDE research, ranked by citation count and centrality within the academic network from the year of their first cited work. The table is led by Braun V., with a citation count of 103 and a centrality of 0.13 since 2015, indicating a strong influence in the recent scholarly conversation on DDE. Close behind, the World Health Organization (WHO), with 97 citations and a centrality of 0.10 since 2012, and Nielsen J., with an impressive centrality of 0.32 and 89 citations since 1999, denote long-standing and significant contributions to the field. The high centrality scores, remarkably Nielsen’s, suggest these authors’ works are central nodes in the network of citations, acting as crucial reference points for subsequent research. Further down the list, authors such as Davis F.D. and Venkatesh V. are notable for their scholarly impact, with citation counts of 74 and 59, respectively, and corresponding centrality measures that reflect their substantial roles in shaping DDE discourse. The table also recognizes the contributions of authoritative entities like the United Nations and the World Health Organization, reflecting digital equity research’s global and policy-oriented dimensions. The presence of ISO in the table, with a citation count of 25 since 2015, underscores the importance of standardization in the digital equity landscape. The diversity in authors and entities—from individual researchers to global organizations—highlights the multi-faceted nature of research in DDE, encompassing technical, social, and policy-related studies.

Figure 5 illustrates the collaborative network between cited authors in the DDE study. The left side of the network map is characterized by authors with cooler-colored nodes, indicating earlier contributions to digital equity research. Among these, Wright Ronald stands out with a significantly large node and a purple outline, highlighting his seminal role and the exceptional citation burst in his work. Cool colors suggest these authors laid the groundwork for subsequent research, with their foundational ideas and theories continuing to be pivotal in the field. Transitioning across the network to the right, a gradual shift to warmer node colors is observed, representing more recent contributions to the field. Here, the nodes increase in size, notably for authors such as Braun V. and the WHO, indicating a high volume of publications and a more contemporary impact on the field. The links between these recent large nodes and the earlier contributors, such as Wright Ronald, illustrate a scholarly lineage and intellectual progression within the research community. The authors with purple outlines on the right side of the map indicate recent citation bursts, signifying that their work has quickly become influential in the academic discourse of digital equity research. These bursts are likely a response to the evolution of digital technologies and the emerging challenges of equality within the digital space.

Collaborative networks of globally cited authors in DDE research.

Visual analysis by keywords

The concurrent keywords reflect the research hotspots in the field of DDE. Table 6 presents the top 30 keywords with the highest frequency and centrality, while Fig. 6 shows the co-occurrence network of these keywords. Within the purview of Fig. 6 , the visualization elucidates the developmental trajectory of pivotal terms in the digital equity research domain. The nodes corresponding to ‘universal design,’ ‘assistive technology,’ and ‘user-centered design’ are characterized by lighter centers within their larger structures, signifying an established presence and a maturation over time within scholarly research. The robust, blue-hued link connecting ‘universal design’ and ‘assistive technology’ underscores these foundational concepts’ strong and historical interrelation. The nodes encircled by purple outlines, such as ‘universal design,’ ‘inclusive design,’ and ‘participatory design,’ denote a high degree of centrality. This indicates their role as critical junctions within the research network, reflecting a widespread citation across diverse studies and underscoring their integral position within the thematic constellation of the field. Of particular note are the nodes with red cores, such as ‘design for all,’ ‘digital health,’ ‘visual impairment,’ ‘mobile phone,’ and ‘digital divide.’ These nodes signal emergent focal points of research, indicating recent academic interest and citation frequency surges. Such bursts are emblematic of the field’s dynamic nature, pointing to evolving hotspots of scholarly investigation. For instance, the red core of ‘digital health’ suggests an intensifying dialogue around integrating digital technology in health-related contexts, a pertinent issue in modern discourse.

Keyword co-occurrence networks in the DDE domain.

Building upon the highlighted red-core nodes denoting keyword bursts in Figs. 6 , 7 , “Top 17 Keywords with the Strongest Citation Bursts in DDE,” offers a quantified analysis of such emergent trends. This figure tabulates the keywords that have experienced the most significant surges in academic citations within the field of DDE from 1997 to 2023. Keywords such as ‘design for all’ and ‘universal design’ anchor the list, showcasing their foundational bursts starting from 1997, with ‘design for all’ maintaining a high citation strength of 20.66 until 2015 and ‘universal design’ demonstrating enduring relevance through 2016. This signifies the long-standing and evolving discourse surrounding these concepts. In contrast, terms like ‘mobile phone,’ ‘digital health,’ and ‘participation’ represent the newest fronts in DDE research, with citation bursts emerging as late as 2020 and 2021, reflecting the rapid ascent of these topics in the recent scholarly landscape. The strength of these bursts, particularly the 7.07 for ‘mobile phone,’ suggests a burgeoning field of study responsive to technological advancements and societal shifts. The bar graph component of the figure visually represents the duration of each burst, with red bars marking the start and end years. The length and position of these bars corroborate the temporal analysis, mapping the lifecycle of each keyword’s impact.

Top 17 Keywords with the Strongest Citation Bursts in DDE.

The authors have conducted a keyword clustering analysis on the data presented in Fig. 6 , aiming to discern the interrelationships between keywords and delineate structured knowledge domains within the field of DDE. Utilizing the Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) algorithm to derive the labeling of clusters, they have effectively crystallized seven distinct clusters in DDE research, as depicted in Fig. 8 . The cluster represented in red, labeled ‘#0 universal design,’ signifies a group of closely related concepts that have been pivotal in discussions on making design accessible to all users. This cluster’s central placement within the figure suggests its foundational role in DDE. Adjacent to this, in a lighter shade of orange, is the ‘#1 user-centered design’ cluster, indicating a slightly different but related set of terms emphasizing the importance of designing with the end-user’s needs and experiences in mind. The ‘#2 assistive technology’ cluster, shown in yellow, groups terms around technologies designed to aid individuals with disabilities, signifying its specialized yet crucial role in promoting digital equity. Notably, the #3 digital health cluster in green and the #4 mobile phone cluster in turquoise highlight the intersection of digital technology with health and mobile communication, illustrating the field’s expansion into these dynamic research areas. The ‘#6 participatory design’ cluster in purple and ‘#7 independent living’ cluster in pink emphasize collaboration in design processes and the empowerment of individuals to live independently, respectively.

Keyword clustering analysis map for DDE research.

In addition, the timeline function in CiteSpace was used to present the seven clusters in Fig. 8 and the core keywords they contain (the threshold for Label was set to 6) annually, as shown in Fig. 9 . The timeline graph delves deeper into the clusters’ developmental stages and interconnections of keywords. In the #0 universal design cluster, the term ‘universal design’ dates back to 1997, alongside ‘assistive technology,’ ‘user participation,’ and ‘PWDs,’ which together marked the inception phase of DDE research within the universal design cluster, where the focus was on creating accessible environments and products for the broadest possible audience. With the advancement of digital technologies, terms like ‘artificial intelligence’ in 2015, ‘digital accessibility’ in 2018, and the more recent ‘students with disabilities’ have emerged as new topics within this cluster. Along with #0 universal design, the #6 participatory design cluster has a similarly lengthy history, with terms like ‘computer access’ and ‘design process’ highlighting the significance of digital design within this cluster. Moreover, within this timeline network, many terms are attributed to specific populations, such as ‘PWDs,’ ‘children,’ ‘aging users,’ ‘adults,’ ‘students,’ ‘blind people,’ ‘stroke patients,’ ‘family caregivers,’ ‘persons with mild cognitive impairments,’ ‘active aging,’ and ‘students with disabilities,’ revealing the user groups that DDE research needs to pay special attention to, mainly the recent focus on ‘mild cognitive impairments’ and ‘students with disabilities,’ which reflect emerging issues. Then, the particularly dense links in the graph hint at the correlations between keywords; for instance, ‘children’ and ‘affective computing’ within the #6 participatory design cluster are strongly related, and the latest terms ‘education’ and ‘autism spectrum disorder occupational therapy’ are strongly related, revealing specific issues within the important topic of education in DDE research. Other nodes with dense links include ‘digital divide,’ ‘user acceptance,’ ‘social participation,’ ‘interventions,’ ‘social inclusion,’ and ‘design for independence,’ reflecting the issues that have received scholarly attention in social sciences. Finally, on the digital technology front, ‘smart home’ emerged in 2006, followed by the terms ‘digital divide’ and ‘user interface’ in the same year. The emergence of ‘VR’ in 2014, ‘AR’ in 2016, and ‘wearable computing’ in 2017 also explain the digital technology focal points worth attention in DDE research.

Timeline plot of 8 clusters of DDE keywords.

Dual-map overlays analysis of publications clusters

The double map overlay functionality of CiteSpace has been utilized to present a panoramic visualization of the knowledge base in DDE research (Fig. 10 ). This technique maps the citation dynamics between clusters of cited and cited publications, revealing the field’s interdisciplinary nature and scholarly communication. The left side of the figure depicts clusters of citing publications, showcasing newer disciplinary domains within DDE research. In contrast, the right side represents clusters of cited publications, reflecting the research foundations of DDE studies. Different colored dots within each cluster indicate the distribution of publications in that cluster. Notably, the arcs spanning the visualization illustrate the citation relationships between publications, with the thickness of the arcs corresponding to the citation volume. These citation trajectories from citing to cited clusters demonstrate the knowledge transfer and intellectual lineage of current DDE research within and across disciplinary boundaries. Notably, the Z-score algorithm converged on those arcs with stronger associations, yielding thicker arcs in green and blue. This indicates that the foundation of DDE research stems from two main disciplinary areas, namely ‘5.

The left side represents citing publication clusters and the right side represents cited publication clusters.

Health, nursing, medicine’ and ‘7. psychology, education, and social on the right side of the figure. Publications from ‘2. MEDICINE, MEDICAL, CLINICAL’ and ‘10. ECONOMICS, ECONOMIC POLITICAL,’ and ‘6. On the left side, PSYCHOLOGY, EDUCATION, and health cite these two disciplinary areas extensively. In other words, the knowledge frontier of DDE research is concentrated in medicine and psychology, and their knowledge bases are also in the domains of health and psychology. However, there is a bidirectional cross-disciplinary citation relationship between the two areas—additionally, the red arcs from the ‘1. MATHEMATICS, SYSTEMS, MATHEMATICAL’ publications cluster showcase another facet of the knowledge frontier in DDE research, as they cite multiple clusters on the right side, forming a divergent structure, which confirms that some of the frontiers of MATHEMATICS in DDE research are based on a broader range of disciplines. The different network structures macroscopically reveal the overall developmental pattern of DDE research.

Hotspots and emerging trends

To answer RQ3, based on the research findings, the literature was re-engaged to reveal the research hotspots and emerging trends of DDE. These hotspots and trends are primarily concentrated in the following areas:

Embracing co-design and practical implementation in inclusive and universal design research

Research in inclusive and universal design increasingly emphasizes co-design with stakeholders, reflecting significant growth in publication (Table 4 on Co-design). In the digital context, transitioning from theory to practice in equity-centered design calls for enhanced adaptability and feasibility of traditional design theories. This shift requires a pragmatic and progressive approach, aligning with recent research (Zhang et al., 2023 ). Furthermore, the evidence-based practices in DDE (Cluster #6) are integral to this dimension, guiding the pragmatic application of design theories.

Focusing on digital mental health and urban-rural inequalities

In DDE, critical issues like the digital divide and mental health are central concerns. The focus on digital and mobile health, highlighted in Fig. 9 , shows a shift towards using technology to improve user engagement and address health challenges. As highlighted by Cosco (Cosco et al., 2021 ), mental health has emerged as a crucial focus in DDE, underscoring the need for designs that support psychological well-being. Additionally, ageism (Mannheim et al., 2023 ) and stereotypes (Nicosia et al., 2022 ) influence technology design in DDE, pointing to societal challenges that need addressing for more inclusive digital solutions. Patten’s (Patten et al., 2022 ) focus on smoking cessation in rural communities indicates a growing emphasis on reducing health disparities, ensuring that digital health advancements are inclusive and far-reaching. These trends in DDE highlight the importance of a holistic approach that considers technological, societal, and health-related factors.

Integration of empathetic, contextualized, and non-visual digital technologies

In the realm of DDE, the technology dimension showcases a range of emerging trends and research hotspots characterized by advancements in immersive technologies, assistive devices, and interactive systems. Technologies like VR (Bortkiewicz et al., 2023 ) and AR (Creed et al., 2023 ) are revolutionizing user experiences, offering enhanced empathy and engagement while raising new challenges. The growth in mobile phone usage (Cluster #4) and the development of 3D-printed individualized assistive devices (IADs) (Lamontagne et al., 2023 ) reflect an increasing emphasis on personalization and catering to diverse user needs. Tangible interfaces (Aguiar et al., 2023 ) and haptic recognition systems (Lu et al., 2023 ) make digital interactions more intuitive. The integration of cognitive assistive technology (Roberts et al., 2023 ) and brain-computer interfaces (BCI) (Padfield et al., 2023 ) is opening new avenues for user interaction, particularly for those with cognitive or physical limitations. The exploration of Social Assistive Robots (SAR) (Kaplan et al., 2024 ) and the application of IoT (Almukadi, 2023 ) illustrate a move towards socially aware and interconnected digital ecosystems, while voice recognition technologies (Berner & Alves, 2023 ) are enhancing accessibility. Edge computing (Walczak et al., 2023 ) represents a shift towards decentralized and user-oriented solutions.

For intergenerational relationships, students with disabilities and the visually impaired

The concurrent digitization trends and rapid global aging closely resemble the growth curve of DDE publications, as shown in Fig. 2 . The concept of active aging, championed by WHO (World Health Organization 2002 ), exerts a substantial impact. This effect is evident across multiple indicators, including a significant number of DDE papers published in the journal GERONTOLOGIST (109 articles), the prominent node of “elderly people” in keyword co-occurrence, and the notable mention of “elderly people” in keyword analysis (strength=3.62). Moreover, in 2011, China, the country with the largest elderly population globally, contributed 73 articles related to DDE (Table 2 ), further emphasizing the growing demand for future DDE research focusing on the elderly. Within DDE studies on the elderly, intergenerational relationships (Li & Cao, 2023 ) represent an emerging area of research. Additionally, two other emerging trends are centered on the educational and visually impaired populations. The term ‘students with disabilities’ in Fig. 9 illustrates this trend. This is reflected in the focus on inclusive digital education (Lazou & Tsinakos, 2023 ) and the digital health needs of the visually impaired (Yeong et al., 2021 ), highlighting the expanding scope of user-centric DDE research.

The intellectual structure of DDE

Previous studies have dissected DDE through various disciplinary lenses, often yielding isolated empirical findings. However, a comprehensive synthesis that contemplates the intricate interplay among DDE constructs has yet to be conspicuously absent. To fill this gap and answer RQ4, an intellectual structure that encapsulates the entirety of DDE was developed, amalgamating user demographics, design strategies, interdisciplinary approaches, and the overarching societal implications. This holistic structure, depicted in Fig. 11 , The DDE structure elucidates the multi-faceted approach required to achieve digital equity, integrating diverse user needs with tailored design strategies and bridging technological innovation with interdisciplinary methodologies. Its core function is to guide the creation of inclusive digital environments that are accessible, engaging, and responsive to the varied demands of a broad user spectrum.

Design for Digital Equity (DDE) intellectual structure.

At the core of discussions surrounding digital equity lies the extensively examined and articulated issue of the digital divide, a well-documented challenge that scholars have explored (Gallegos-Rejas et al., 2023 ). This is illustrated in the concentric circles of the red core within the keyword contribution analysis, as depicted in Fig. 6 . It reflects the persistent digital access and literacy gaps that disproportionately affect marginalized groups. This divide extends beyond mere connectivity to encompass the nuances of social engagement (Almukadi, 2023 ), where the ability to participate meaningfully in digital spaces becomes a marker of societal inclusion. As noted by (Bochicchio et al., 2023 ; Jetha et al., 2023 ), employment is a domain where digital inequities manifest, creating barriers to employment inclusion. Similarly, feelings of loneliness, social isolation (Chung et al., 2023 ), and deficits in social skills (Estival et al., 2023 ) are exacerbated in the digital realm, where interactions often require different competencies. These social dimensions of DDE underscore the need for a more empathetic and user-informed approach to technology design, one that can cater to the nuanced needs of diverse populations, including medication reminders and telehealth solutions (Gallegos-Rejas et al., 2023 ) while minimizing cognitive load (Gomez-Hernandez et al., 2023 ) and advancing digital health equity (Ha et al., 2023 ).

The critical element of the DDE intellectual structure is the design strategy, as evidenced by the two categories #0 generic design and #6 participatory design, which contain the most prominent nodes in the keyword clustering in Part IV of this paper. Digital transformation through design thinking (Oliveira et al., 2024 ), user-centered design (Stawarz et al., 2023 ), and the co-design of 3D printed assistive technologies (Aflatoony et al., 2023 ; Benz et al., 2023 ; Ghorayeb et al., 2023 ) reflect the trend towards personalized and participatory design processes. Empathy emerges as a recurrent theme, both in contextualizing user experiences (Bortkiewicz et al., 2023 ) and in visualizing personal narratives (Gui et al., 2023 ), reinforcing the need for emotional durability (Huang et al., 2023 ) and accessible design (Jonsson et al., 2023 ). These approaches are not merely theoretical but are grounded in the pragmatics of participatory design (Kinnula et al., 2023 ), the living labs approach (Layton et al., 2023 ), and virtual collaborative design workshops (Peters et al., 2023 ), all of which facilitate the co-creation of solutions that resonate with the lived experiences of users.

One of the significant distinctions between DDE and traditional fairness-centered design lies in technical specifications. Supporting these strategies are fundamental theories and standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) (Jonsson et al., 2023 ), the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (Alvarez-Melgarejo et al., 2023 ), and socio-technical systems (STS) (Govers & van Amelsvoort, 2023 ), which provide the ethical and methodological framework for DDE initiatives. Additionally, digital ethnography (Joshi et al., 2023 ) and the Person-Environment-Tool (PET) framework (Jarl, Lundqvist 2020 ) offer valuable perspectives to analyze and design for the intricate interplay of human, technological, and environmental interactions.

Another noteworthy discovery highlighted by the previously mentioned findings is the rich interdisciplinary approach within the field of DDE. This interdisciplinary nature, exemplified by the integration of diverse knowledge domains, is evident in publications analysis of DDE (Table 4 ) and is visually demonstrated through the overlay of disciplinary citation networks (Fig. 10 ). Strategies such as gamification (Aguiar et al., 2023 ), music therapy (Chen & Norgaard, 2023 ), and multimodal communication strategies (Given et al., 2023 ) underline the synergistic potential of integrating diverse knowledge domains to foster more inclusive digital environments. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Kayser et al., 2023 ), multimedia advocacy (Watts et al., 2023 ), arts-based methods (Miller & Zelenko, 2022 ), storytelling (Ostrowski et al., 2021 ), and reminiscence therapy (Unbehaun et al., 2021 ) are not merely adjuncts but integral components that enhance the relevance and efficacy of DDE interventions.

Equally important, the relationship between the target users of DDE and digital technologies needs to be focused on as a design strategy. This includes attitudes, needs, challenges, risks, and capacity indicators. Positive outlooks envision digital transformation as a new norm post-pandemic for individuals with disabilities (Aydemir-Döke et al., 2023 ), while others display varied sentiments (Bally et al., 2023 ) or even hostile attitudes, as seen in the challenges of visually impaired with online shopping (Cohen et al., 2023 ). These attitudes interplay with ‘Needs’ that span essential areas, from service to recreational, highlighting the importance of ‘Capacity Indicators’ like digital literacy and digital thinking (Govers & van Amelsvoort, 2023 ) to bridge these gaps. The ‘Challenges and Risks’ associated with DDE, such as the adverse impacts of apps in medical contexts (Babbage et al., 2023 ) and ergonomic issues due to immersive technologies (Creed et al., 2023 ), present barriers that need to be mitigated to foster a conducive environment for digital engagement. Despite a generally positive attitude toward digital transformation, the low usage rates (Dale et al., 2023 ), usability concerns (Davoody et al., 2023 ), cultural differences in thinking, and the need for a humanizing digital transformation (Dragicevic et al., 2023b ) underscore the complexity of achieving digital equity. The widespread resistance and abandonment of rehabilitative technologies (Mitchell et al., 2023 ) further emphasize the need for DDE strategies that are culturally sensitive and user-friendly.

Going deeper, the arrows signify dynamic interrelationships among various components within the DDE intellectual structure. “Needs” drive the design and application of “Digital Technologies,” which in turn inspire “Innovative” solutions and approaches. Feedback from these innovations influences “Attitudes,” which, along with “Needs,” can pose “Challenges and Risks,” thereby shaping the “Capacity Indicators” that gauge proficiency in navigating the digital landscape. This cyclical interplay ensures that the DDE framework is not static but an evolving guide responsive to the changing landscape of digital equity.

future research direction

In the process of identifying research gaps and future directions, innovative research opportunities were determined from the results of temporal attributes in the visual, intellectual graph:

Emotional, cultural, and aesthetic factors in human-centered design: Universal Design (UD) and Design for All (DFA) will remain central themes in DDE. However, affective computing and user preferences must be explored (Alves et al., 2020 ). Beyond functional needs, experiential demands such as aesthetics, self-expression, and creativity, often overlooked in accessibility guidelines, are gaining recognition (Recupero et al., 2021 ). The concept of inclusive fashion (Oliveira & Okimoto, 2022 ) underscores the need to address multi-faceted user requirements, including fashion needs, cultural sensitivity, and diversity.

Digital technology adoption and improving digital literacy: The adoption of multimodal and multisensory interactions is gaining increased attention, with a growing focus on voice, tangible, and natural interaction technologies, alongside research into technology acceptance, aligning with the findings (Li et al., 2023 ). Exploring these interactive methods is crucial for enhancing user engagement and experience. However, there is a notable gap in research on the acceptance of many cutting-edge digital technologies. Additionally, investigating how design strategies can enhance digital literacy represents a valuable study area.

Expanding the Geographic and Cultural Scope: Literature indicates that the situation of DDE in developing countries (Abbas et al., 2014 ; Nahar et al., 2015 ) warrants in-depth exploration. Current literature and the distribution of research institutions show a significant gap in DDE research in these regions, especially in rural areas (as seen in Tables 2 and 3 and Figs. 3 and 4 ). Most research and literature is concentrated in developed countries, with insufficient focus on developing nations. Conversely, within developed countries, research on DDE concerning minority groups (Pham et al., 2022 ) and affluent Indigenous populations (Henson et al., 2023 ) is almost nonexistent. This situation reveals a critical research gap: even in economically advanced nations, the needs and preferences of marginalized groups are often overlooked. These groups may face unique challenges and needs, which should be explored or understood in mainstream research.

Multi-disciplinary Research in Digital Equity Design: While publication analysis (Table 4 ) and knowledge domain flow (Fig. 10 ) reveal the interdisciplinary nature of DDE, the current body of research predominantly focuses on computer science, medical and health sciences, sociology, and design. This review underscores the necessity of expanding research efforts across a broader spectrum of disciplines to address the diverse needs inherent in DDE adequately. For instance, the fusion of art, psychology, and computer technology could lead to research topics such as “Digital Equity Design Guidelines for Remote Art Therapy.” Similarly, the amalgamation of education, computer science, design, and management studies might explore subjects like “Integrating XR in Inclusive Educational Service Design: Technological Acceptance among Special Needs Students.” These potential research areas not only extend the scope of DDE but also emphasize the importance of a holistic and multi-faceted approach to developing inclusive and accessible digital solutions.

Practical implication

This study conducted an in-depth bibliometric and visualization analysis of the Digital Equity Design (DDE) field, revealing key findings on publication trends, significant contributors and collaboration patterns, key clusters, research hotspots, and intellectual structures. These insights directly affect policy-making, interdisciplinary collaboration, design optimization, and educational resource allocation. Analysis of publication trends provides policymakers with data to support digital inclusivity policies, particularly in education and health services, ensuring fair access to new technologies for all social groups, especially marginalized ones. The analysis of significant contributors and collaboration patterns highlights the role of interdisciplinary cooperation in developing innovative solutions, which is crucial for organizations and businesses designing products for specific groups, such as the disabled and elderly, in promoting active aging policies. Identifying key clusters and research hotspots guides the focus of future technological developments, enhancing the social adaptability and market competitiveness of designs. The construction of intellectual structures showcases the critical dimensions of user experience within DDE and the internal logic between various elements, providing a foundation for promoting deeper user involvement and more precise responses to needs in design research and practice, particularly in developing solutions and assessing their effectiveness to ensure that design outcomes truly reflect and meet end-user expectations and actual use scenarios.

Limitations

Nevertheless, this systematic review is subject to certain limitations. Firstly, the data sourced exclusively from the WOS is a constraint, as specific functionalities like dual-map overlays are uniquely tailored for WOS bibliometric data. Future studies could expand the scope by exploring DDE research in databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, and grey literature. Additionally, while a comprehensive search string for DDE was employed, the results were influenced by the search timing and the subscription range of different research institutions to the database. Moreover, the possibility of relevant terms existing beyond the search string cannot be discounted. Secondly, despite adhering to the PRISMA guidelines for literature acquisition and screening, subjectivity may have influenced the authors during the inclusion and exclusion process, particularly while reviewing abstracts and full texts to select publications. Furthermore, the reliance solely on CiteSpace as the bibliometric tool introduces another limitation. The research findings are contingent on the features and algorithms of the current version of CiteSpace (6.2.r6 advanced). Future research could incorporate additional or newer versions of bibliometric tools to provide a more comprehensive analysis.

This systematic review aims to delineate the academic landscape of DDE by exploring its known and unknown aspects, including research progress, intellectual structure, research hotspots and trends, and future research recommendations. Before this review, these facets could have been clearer. To address these questions, a structured retrieval strategy set by PICo and a PRISMA process yielded 1705 publications, which were analyzed using CiteSpace for publication trends, geographic distribution of research collaborations, core publications, keyword co-occurrence, emergence, clustering, timelines, and dual-map overlays of publication disciplines. These visual presentations propose a DDE intellectual structure, although the literature data is focused on the WOS database. This framework could serve as a guide for future research to address these crucial issues. The DDE intellectual structure integrates research literature, particularly eight thematic clusters. It not only displays the overall intellectual structure of DDE on a macro level but also reveals the intrinsic logic between various elements. Most notably, as pointed out at the beginning of this review, digital equity, as a critical factor in achieving sustainable development goals, requires human-centered design thinking. An in-depth discussion of the research findings reveals that the development of DDE is characterized by a multi-dimensional approach, encompassing a wide range of societal, technological, and user-specific issues. Furthermore, emerging trends indicate that the future trajectory of DDE will be more diverse and inclusive, targeting a broad spectrum of user needs and societal challenges. Another significant aspect of this review is the proposition of four specific directions for future research, guiding researchers dedicated to related disciplines.

Data availability

The datasets generated or analyzed during the current study are available in the Dataverse repository: https://dataverse.harvard.edu/dataset.xhtml?persistentId=doi:10.7910/DVN/S5XXFB .

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Clinical Researcher

The Future of Multi-Omics in Cancer Clinical Trials

Clinical Researcher August 15, 2024

Clinical Researcher—August 2024 (Volume 38, Issue 4)

PEER REVIEWED

Deepika Khedekar, MPharm

This article delves into the role of multi-omics in enhancing cancer clinical trials, highlighting its promise against the backdrop of frequent trial failures encountered in oncology research and limited success of precision medicine. Multi-omics, by analyzing genetic, proteomic, and metabolomic data, aims to personalize cancer treatment, addressing obstacles like data inconsistency, tumor diversity, and therapy resistance. However, integrating multi-omics into cancer trials presents significant challenges, including variance in data regulations, complex data analysis methodologies, ethical hurdles around patient consent, and logistical hurdles in trial management. This discussion advocates for improved trial designs, effective data handling, and robust patient safety measures. It emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts across the scientific community to navigate these challenges and to enable holistic integration of multi-omics in cancer clinical trials, thereby advancing precision oncology.

The Global Cancer Crisis: Reevaluating the Clinical Trial Landscape

Ten million people die each year due to cancer.{1} Our efforts to treat cancer on a global scale —through radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, and targeted therapies—have often felt like drops in the ocean. Research conducted by MIT reveals that about 97% of trials in oncology end in failure.{2} This daunting statistic not only highlights the immense challenge at hand, but also raises critical questions about the trajectory of our current cancer research methodologies and, more importantly, about the precision drugs which have been long thought as the final frontier for cancer.

Foundations of Precision Medicine in Oncology

Precision medicine at its core is the idea of tailoring treatments to fit an individual’s unique genetic profile. It involves the detailed analysis of a patient’s tumor at the molecular level, to identify specific genetic mutations or biomarkers that drive the growth and spread of cancer. This comprehensive molecular profiling enables oncologists to select treatments that are most likely to be effective against the unique characteristics of each patient’s cancer. While precision medicine has been around for awhile, one might ask about what their success rate has been so far, and what kinds of challenges are being faced in clinical trials targeting cancer through precision medicine.

Milestones and Roadblocks in Targeted Cancer Therapy Studies

In the realm of precision oncology, there have been remarkable achievements that showcase the potential of targeted treatments. Notably, Imatinib has shown a 95% response rate in treating chronic myeloid leukemia patients, extending their quality of life by an average of nine years.{3} Similarly, Venetoclax has been effective in 80% of cases involving chronic lymphocytic leukemia , and CAR-T therapy, specifically Tisagenlecleucel, has demonstrated a 62% remission rate at 24 months for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.{3}

Despite these advances, the broader impact of precision medicine on cancer care remains modest. A JAMA Oncology study highlighted that only about 8% of cancer patients are eligible for precision medicines, with merely 5% likely to benefit from them.{3} This underscores a significant gap between the potential and the actual reach of precision oncology, pointing to the need for broader application and accessibility of such treatments in the oncology field. This discrepancy raises a crucial question about what kinds of obstacles are hindering the holistic implementation of precision medicine in clinical trials for oncology.

Barriers to Success in Precision Oncology Clinical Trials

Data Fragmentation

Precision medicine trials in oncology are facing several hurdles that make personalized cancer treatment a complex goal to achieve. First off, the lack of standardized genetic testing across the more than 150 research sites working on this front in the U.S. leads to significant inconsistencies in the data we rely on to develop precision treatments.{4} This fragmentation is a significant barrier to advancing precision medicine, as it hampers our ability to draw definite conclusions from these clinical trials. This diversity underscores a pressing need for standardized sequencing methods and data formats to ensure reliability and comparability of results across different platforms and studies.

However, data fragmentation is not the only challenge we face in precision oncology trials, since the tumor profiles are as diverse as the data themselves.

Tumor Heterogeneity and Drug Resistance

One of the primary challenges in precision oncology is the heterogeneity of tumors. Tumor heterogeneity refers to the variation found within a single tumor, as well as between tumors in different patients, in terms of genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic characteristics. This diversity is not only present among the different cells within a single tumor (intra-tumor heterogeneity), but also across multiple tumors within the same patient (inter-tumor heterogeneity) and among similar tumor types across different patients. This inherent heterogeneity of tumors, which can vary significantly between primary and metastatic sites within the same patient, makes it challenging to evaluate the efficacy of targeted treatments in oncology trials.

Furthermore, the rapid development of resistance to targeted therapies is a pressing concern. As tumors evolve, they can become resistant to treatments that were initially effective, leading to late-stage failures in precision oncology trials. Compounding these issues, the sheer volume of data generated by genetic testing requires sophisticated data analysis methodologies, yet the existing infrastructure for bioinformatics analysis often struggles to keep pace.

Traditional Trial Designs Limiting Precision Oncology

The design of the vast majority of precision oncology trials still follows a traditional format that does not fully embrace the holistic principles of precision medicine. This conventional approach, coupled with the slow development of new drugs compared to the rate of genetic target discovery, restricts the availability of innovative treatments for evaluation in these trials. Finally, precision oncology trials are heavily dependent on data sharing principles, and yet this is the same principle that has been entangled in a web of legal, ethical, and technical hurdles.

Overcoming these challenges is key to unlocking the full potential of precision medicine in oncology trials, making it a critical area of focus for researchers and clinicians alike. This is where multi-omics might come in handy, but what exactly is multi-omics?

Multi-Omics: A Cornerstone for Precision Cancer Trials

In precision-focused cancer clinical trials, multi-omics represents the comprehensive analysis of the genes (genomics), proteins (proteomics), and metabolites (metabolomics) within a cancer cell or tumor environment. This integrated approach provides a holistic view of the tumor’s molecular landscape which is essential for developing personalized treatments. By leveraging multi-omics, researchers can match therapeutic strategies with the specific biological context of each patient’s oncology profile, potentially leading to more effective and targeted interventions.

Further, multi-omics has the potential to address the below-mentioned challenges we see in precision oncology trials.

Overcoming Tumor Heterogeneity

The presence of tumor heterogeneity in precision oncology trials means that a treatment found to be effective for one part of the tumor, or one patient’s tumor, might not be effective for others. This complexity can lead to difficulties in predicting how different patients will respond to the same treatment, making the design and execution of clinical trials a challenging task. This is where multi-omics can help.

For instance, in trials for novel breast cancer treatments, multi-omics allows for the precise categorization of breast tumors into specific subtypes based on genetic mutations and deeper insights into active biological pathways. Consequently, this enables the identification of cohorts of patients whose tumor profile resonates with the molecular signature targeted by the therapy under investigation, allowing for treatments to be specifically tailored to the molecular characteristics of this cohort.

Such a level of resonance addresses key challenges in precision oncology trials, notably improving patient selection and enhancing treatment efficacy, and thereby improving the success rate in these trials. Here, multi-omics not only accelerates the development of effective treatments, but also minimizes the time and resources spent on less promising therapeutic paths in these trials.

Still, tumor heterogeneity is not the only core challenge for precision oncology trials—we must also consider the problems raised by drug resistance.

Identifying and Overcoming Drug Resistance

Drug resistance remains a significant obstacle in cancer trials, often leading to the failure of initially effective therapies. This phenomenon occurs when the cancer cells undergo genetic mutations that enable them to survive and proliferate despite the presence of therapeutic agents designed to inhibit or kill them. Multiple cancer studies have shown that it often contributes to the 95% failure rate that we see in oncology trials.{5}

Multi-omics offers a pathway to understanding and overcoming this challenge. Consider a trial for a new lung cancer drug where patients begin to show resistance after initial success. This phenomenon can lead to late-stage failures when drugs no longer work as expected in these trials. Multi-omics analysis can be employed to investigate the resistance mechanisms at play.

For example, genomic sequencing might reveal mutations in the cancer cells that deactivate the drug’s target. Proteomic analysis could uncover alternative signaling pathways the tumor exploits to survive. By integrating these insights, researchers can identify biomarkers indicative of emerging resistance. This enables the adaptation of trial protocols to include combination therapies designed to block both the primary target and the alternative pathways identified, offering a strategic approach to circumvent drug resistance in these trials.

Refining Clinical Trial Design with Multi-Omics

Finally, multi-omics data can help us transform the design of precision-focused cancer clinical trials. By analyzing the genomic data of tumors within the given cohort of patients, researchers could identify specific mutations that are predictive of a positive response to the treatment being tested. Proteomics could further differentiate patients based on the protein expression profiles associated with those mutations, while metabolomics might offer additional clues about a tumor’s environment that influence drug efficacy.

This stratification allows for the design of a trial where only patients with the molecular profile likely to respond are enrolled. Additionally, multi-omics can monitor for early signs of treatment efficacy or emerging resistance, enabling real-time adjustments to treatment plans. This not only increases the trial’s chance of success, but also accelerates the development of personalized treatment strategies.

By integrating genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data, multi-omics enables researchers to not only improve the accuracy in assessing long-term therapeutic effectiveness, but also increases the likelihood of trial success by ensuring treatments remain effective against evolving tumor profiles. This helps us build the next generation of robust models for precision oncology trials.

Integrating Multi-Omics into Precision Cancer Trials

While multi-omics presents a promising avenue for enhancing precision-focused cancer clinical trials, its adoption comes with a set of complex challenges spanning clinical trial execution, patient considerations, data regulation, ethics, and safety.

Clinical Trial Execution Challenges

The sheer complexity of integrating genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data necessitates powerful analytical tools and an advanced level of expertise, posing substantial logistical and financial challenges. How can a trial efficiently process and analyze millions of bytes of data within a reasonable timeframe and budget, especially in oncology, where the rate of progression of the disease is exponential? Moreover, adapting trial designs to accommodate the complex insights provided by multi-omics data demands a modern techno-clinical infrastructure that many institutions may not have in place today, potentially limiting the speed and scope of these trials.

Patient-Centric Considerations: Consent and Incidental Findings

From the perspective of patient engagement, integrating multi-omics raises important questions about consent and the handling of incidental findings. For instance, in a breast cancer trial let’s say we employed a multi-omics approach to customize treatment plans based on the genetic, proteomic, and metabolomic profiles of individual patients. However, this comprehensive analysis may inadvertently reveal genetic markers that not only inform the current treatment strategy, but also indicate susceptibility to other hereditary conditions, such as mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.{6}

How should researchers disclose this information to the participant without adding unnecessary stress while ensuring they are fully aware of the findings?

The challenge begins with ensuring informed consent is truly informed. Traditional consent forms might not adequately capture the breadth of potential discoveries multi-omics analyses can unearth, including those with implications beyond the immediate focus of the trial. This raises critical questions about how to effectively communicate the possible outcomes of such analyses to participants, ensuring they understand the potential for findings that could affect their health in ways unrelated to the cancer being treated.

These scenarios underscore the need for clear communication and ethical guidelines to navigate the balance between research objectives and patient rights in these trials employing multi-omics.

Data Regulation, Ethics, and the Path to Collaboration

The management of the extensive datasets generated by multi-omics analyses presents another layer of complexity—navigating complex data protection regulations and ethical considerations, especially when data are shared across international borders.

For instance, a multi-omics cancer trial spanning several European countries will need to tackle the challenges related to compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR rightly sets stringent standards for the processing of personal data, including genetic, proteomic, and metabolomic information, which are central to multi-omics trials. The challenge is, each European country has its own national legislation that implements GDPR, tailored to its specific legal and cultural context.{7} This variation poses a substantial challenge for the management and operation of clinical trials that span these jurisdictions.

Addressing these challenges, initiatives like the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) offer a blueprint for standardizing and centralizing anonymized data in precision oncology.{8} The CCLE, a collaboration among the Broad Institute, the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, and the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, has detailed the genetic and pharmacological profiles of more than 1,000 human cancer cell lines.{8,9} This resource includes fully anonymized and standardized transcriptomic, epigenomic, proteomic, and metabolomic datasets, and is freely available to the oncology research community.

This model demonstrates how anonymizing and standardizing data can mitigate privacy concerns and facilitate data sharing in compliance with regulations like GDPR. It underscores the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to harmonize data handling, protecting patient data integrity and streamlining data flow throughout a trial’s lifecycle. Thus, researchers must design trials with robust informed consent processes and secure data protocols that comply with GDPR across all involved jurisdictions, ensuring participant data protection against unauthorized access or transfer.

Safety Concerns with Targeted Therapies

Finally, the application of targeted therapies derived from multi-omics analyses introduces safety considerations that must not be overlooked. The precision of these therapies, while a boon for treatment efficacy, requires a thorough understanding of potential side effects and interactions with existing medications. For example, a therapy targeting a specific genetic mutation in colorectal cancer might inadvertently affect other cellular processes, raising concerns about adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) in these trials.

This scenario underscores the necessity for comprehensive clinical validation and diligent monitoring throughout the trial phase. The identification and management of AEs and SAEs is paramount to maintaining participant safety and the integrity of the trial. Rigorous preclinical studies and early-phase trials are essential to anticipate potential off-target effects and interactions with conventional treatments. Moreover, once a trial is underway, continuous monitoring and real-time reporting mechanisms for AEs and SAEs ensure swift response strategies to mitigate risks to participants.

In conclusion, multi-omics presents an unprecedented opportunity to advance precision oncology clinical trials, promising to significantly improve the personalization of cancer treatment. This approach, however, introduces a spectrum of challenges, including data integration complexities, ethical concerns, regulatory hurdles, and patient safety concerns. The question then arises: How can we effectively leverage the potential of multi-omics while ensuring the integrity and safety of clinical trial processes?

It necessitates a concerted effort from a broad coalition of stakeholders—researchers, clinicians, ethicists, and regulatory authorities—each committed to navigating these challenges with diligence and foresight. Pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer treatment through a unified effort while holding patient welfare as our north star is how we’ll truly make a difference in these trials—for we’re not just navigating the complexities of precision medicine; we’re redefining the very essence of cancer treatment for generations to come.

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• Fountzilas E, Tsimberidou AM. 2018. Overview of precision oncology trials: challenges and opportunities. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 11(8):797–804. doi:10.1080/17512433.2018.1504677
• Rezayatmand, H, Razmkhah M, Razeghian-Jahromi I. 2022. Drug resistance in cancer therapy: the Pandora’s Box of cancer stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 13(181) https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-022-02856-6
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes .
• Vlahou A, Hallinan D, Apweiler R, et al. 2021. Data Sharing Under the General Data Protection Regulation: Time to Harmonize Law and Research Ethics? Hypertension 77(4):1029–35. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.120.16340
• Nature Portfolio. Big picture oncology through multi-omics .
• Ghandi M, Huang FW, Jané-Valbuena J, et al. 2019. Next-generation characterization of the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia. Nature 569(7757):503–8. doi:10.1038/s41586-019-1186-3

Deepika Khedekar, MPharm, ( [email protected] ) is a Centralized Clinical Lead with IQVIA Inc. , Mumbai, India.

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Analysing near-miss incidents in construction: a systematic literature review.

1. Introduction

• Q 1 —Are near-miss events in construction industry the subject of scientific research?
• Q 2 —What methods have been employed thus far to obtain information on near misses and systems for recording incidents in construction companies?
• Q 3 —What methods have been used to analyse the information and figures obtained?
• Q 4 —What are the key aspects of near misses in the construction industry that have been of interest to the researchers?

2. Definition of Near-Miss Events

3. research methodology, 4.1. a statistical analysis of publications, 4.2. methods used to obtain information about near misses, 4.2.1. traditional methods.

• Traditional registration forms
• Computerized systems for the recording of events
• Surveys and interviews

4.2.2. Real-Time Monitoring Systems

• Employee-tracking systems
• Video surveillance systems
• Wearable technology
• Motion sensors

4.3. Methods Used to Analyse the Information and Figures That Have Been Obtained

4.3.1. quantitative and qualitative statistical methods, 4.3.2. analysis using artificial intelligence (ai), 4.3.3. building information modelling, 4.4. key aspects of near-miss investigations in the construction industry, 4.4.1. occupational risk assessment, 4.4.2. causes of hazards in construction, 4.4.3. time series of near misses, 4.4.4. material factors of construction processes, 4.5. a comprehensive overview of the research questions and references on near misses in the construction industry, 5. discussion, 5.1. interest of researchers in near misses in construction (question 1), 5.2. methods used to obtain near-miss information (question 2), 5.3. methods used to analyse the information and data sets (question 3), 5.4. key aspects of near-miss investigations in the construction industry (question 4), 6. conclusions.

• A quantitative analysis of the Q 1 question has revealed a positive trend, namely that there is a growing interest among researchers in studying near misses in construction. The greatest interest in NM topics is observed in the United States of America, China, the United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong, and Germany. Additionally, there has been a recent emergence of interest in Poland. The majority of articles are mainly published in journals such as Safety Science (10), Journal of Construction Engineering and Management (8), and Automation in Construction (5);
• The analysis of question Q 2 illustrates that traditional paper-based event registration systems are currently being superseded by advanced IT systems. However, both traditional and advanced systems are subject to the disadvantage of relying on employee-reported data, which introduces a significant degree of uncertainty regarding in the quality of the information provided. A substantial proportion of the data and findings presented in the studies was obtained through surveys and interviews. The implementation of real-time monitoring systems is becoming increasingly prevalent in construction sites. The objective of such systems is to provide immediate alerts in the event of potential hazards, thereby preventing a significant number of near misses. Real-time monitoring systems employ a range of technologies, including ultrasonic technology, radio frequency identification (RFID), inertial measurement units (IMUs), real-time location systems (RTLSs), industrial cameras, wearable technology, motion sensors, and advanced IT technologies, among others;
• The analysis of acquired near-miss data is primarily conducted through the utilisation of quantitative and qualitative statistical methods, as evidenced by the examination of the Q 3 question. In recent years, research utilising artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant advances. The most commonly employed artificial intelligence techniques include text mining, machine learning, and artificial neural networks. The growing deployment of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology has precipitated a profound transformation in the safety management of construction sites, with the advent of sophisticated tools for the identification and management of hazardous occurrences;
• In response to question Q 4 , the study of near misses in the construction industry has identified several key aspects that have attracted the attention of researchers. These include the utilisation of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies for risk assessment, the analysis of the causes of hazards, the identification of accident precursors through the creation of time series, and the examination of material factors pertaining to construction processes. Researchers are focusing on the utilisation of both databases and advanced technologies, such as real-time location tracking, for the assessment and analysis of occupational risks. Techniques such as Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and clustering facilitate a comprehensive assessment and categorisation of incidents, thereby enabling the identification of patterns and susceptibility to specific types of accidents. Moreover, the impact of a company’s safety climate and organisational culture on the frequency and characteristics of near misses represents a pivotal area of investigation. The findings of this research indicate that effective safety management requires a holistic approach that integrates technology, risk management and safety culture, with the objective of reducing accidents and enhancing overall working conditions on construction sites.

7. Gaps and Future Research Directions, Limitations

• Given the diversity and variability of construction sites and the changing conditions and circumstances of work, it is essential to create homogeneous clusters of near misses and to analyse the phenomena within these clusters. The formation of such clusters may be contingent upon the direct causes of the events in question;
• Given the inherently dynamic nature of construction, it is essential to analyse time series of events that indicate trends in development and safety levels. The numerical characteristics of these trends may be used to construct predictive models for future accidents and near misses;
• The authors have identified potential avenues for future research, which could involve the development of mathematical models using techniques such as linear regression, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The objective of these models is to predict the probable timing of occupational accidents within defined incident categories, utilising data from near misses. Moreover, efforts are being made to gain access to the hazardous incident recording systems of different construction companies, with a view to facilitating comparison of the resulting data;
• One significant limitation of near-miss research is the lack of an integrated database that encompasses a diverse range of construction sites and construction work. A data resource of this nature would be of immense value for the purpose of conducting comprehensive analyses and formulating effective risk management strategies. This issue can be attributed to two factors: firstly, the reluctance of company managers to share their databases with researchers specialising in risk assessment, and secondly, the reluctance of employees to report near-miss incidents. Such actions may result in adverse consequences for employees, including disciplinary action or negative perceptions from managers. This consequently results in the recording of only a subset of incidents, thereby distorting the true picture of safety on the site.

Author Contributions

Institutional review board statement, informed consent statement, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

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Woźniak, Z.; Hoła, B. Analysing Near-Miss Incidents in Construction: A Systematic Literature Review. Appl. Sci. 2024 , 14 , 7260. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14167260

Woźniak Z, Hoła B. Analysing Near-Miss Incidents in Construction: A Systematic Literature Review. Applied Sciences . 2024; 14(16):7260. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14167260

Woźniak, Zuzanna, and Bożena Hoła. 2024. "Analysing Near-Miss Incidents in Construction: A Systematic Literature Review" Applied Sciences 14, no. 16: 7260. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14167260

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Making My 1st Movie at ICT 

By Natali Chavez, Research Scholar, Narrative Group, ICT

Natali Chavez is a director, actor, and voiceover artist, who joined ICT as a Research Scholar in the Narrative Group at ICT this summer. This is an internship as part of her PhD studies (Acting, Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence) at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH). In this essay, part of  our series to celebrate ICT 25 , Chavez talks about coming to the USA, her experience at ICT working on the  Acting and Interacting in Generated Worlds  – and what it was like making her first movie in Los Angeles! 

ICT’s Intern Program 

I discovered ICT’s Intern Program while making my “research” around ICT. Everything started by reading papers about the Light Stage when I was writing my first paper. A citation to its creator Paul Debevec and an overview of his accomplishments led me to  ICT’s website. Amazed by how many labs apply to my scientific interests, I wanted to find a way to join this institute.  One of the ways was to apply for a Fulbright Grant. For that besides others I needed an invitation letter from an US institution. It was very kind of Dr Gratch to forward my research proposal to David Nelson who proved to be really interested in it. We met (virtually -1am greek time :P) with David who after us having a really nice talk, invited me officially  to  join the MxR lab upon my  selection from the Fulbright Foundation. In the meantime I wanted to raise the possibilities working in ICT and that’s when I ran on ICT’s Summer Internships and specifically on a call from Dr. Andrew Grodon and the Interactive Narrative Research that was a fit to my interdisciplinary research: Acting and Interacting in Generated Worlds.  I got selected and here I am. ICT’s Intern Program is a brilliant opportunity for new researchers. ICT has great facilities but the most fascinating thing here is the people. Everyone is open to collaborate, to help, to teach and to learn. I am very happy I joined the interactive narratives research as I deeply believe in the power of storytelling.  For the record, I also got the Fulbright Grant so from November I will be here again for six months conducting my research on emotion-wise expressive Virtual Actors in the MxR lab surrounded and supported by a unique team.

Internship days

During my internship I had the opportunity to interact and hangout with interns from different universities, countries and backgrounds but also had really inspiring meetings  with professors and staff from ICT. I also really enjoyed AWE, LA river’s lab, ICT TechTalks, Intern’s seminars and presentations (including mine :p). Mentionable is ICT’s love of spoiling foodies (My welcome lunch from Andrew and members of other labs, Taco Tuesdays, ICT Family Day, Ice-Cream Thursdays, International Potluck (thank you Rose for the extra treat ), Lab Lunch-out with MxR lab etc.). Another amazing experience and a dream that came true was for me to perform as an actress and get scanned in the Light Stage and to be able to have access to my Virtual Me for the needs of my research and the same time to offer my performance for the scientific needs of the Visual and Graphics Lab and its inspiring team. Of course I had the opportunity on my weekends mostly to discover the city of stars aka Los Angeles. Besides biking (thank you ICT for lending the bike), hiking, eating, visiting museums and theaters, in LA my favorite thing is surfing (thank you D.Nelson for lending the surfboard). But above all, along with my advisor Dr. Gordon, we well organized our workflows that we were about to follow to get our results regarding his vision about an open source post production solution for emerging filmmakers. The whole project is  based on Dr. Gordon’s AI assisted virtual production technique, Camera Aligned Material Planes. 

The CAMP project and my first Short Movie

This solution actually aspires to automate a pipeline through which a filmmaker can process his film that has been filmed with basic lighting, just in an indoor space, with a boom and a decent camera or even a smartphone. This pipeline utilizes Artificial Intelligence tools and post production’s free tools  to elaborate film’s frames, relight them, change backgrounds, add virtual objects etc. That way a low budget production won’t  jeopardize filmmakers’ vision regarding  their film’s quality. 

But to get to this point is needed to recruit their filming crew. Through my and my advisor’s LA connections, we formed our team(of volunteers). Three actors(including me), a directing consultant, a writing consultant, audio operator, a young cinematographer-USC alumni-camera operator, another intern as production’s assistant and remotely a music composer and a performer from Greece. The filming took place mostly  in ICT’s sound studio and… my kitchen. 

The script was written by me and has to do with time, relations and existence. Its title: “ Can I have a minute? “. Another challenge for me is to prove that AI and technology in general can be utilized to create a grounded and human story. Now we are in a post production fever. Actually we test the workflows we created and are still creating. So far we have our Stable Diffusion results that are really good,  the film is traditionally edited by me, the music score is ready, and now both Dr. Gordon and I are experimenting with the Blender environment.

I am very excited about our project as it was my very first short film( also made in LA! ) as a writer, casting director, director, editor and executive producer  but most of all  because I really believe that will offer a crucial first stepping stone to the  filmmakers of the future. 

Future plans and ICT influence

Referring to our project my future plans are to complete it at first, screen it in both ICT and USC Cinematics, and in Films and AI films festivals, to publish a paper, submit for Siggraph 2025 Electronic Theater section and finally to manage getting funding for further research and development. 

The good and at the same time bad thing that happened here in ICT is that I got in a welcoming, supporting and pioneering workplace that something less would feel like a back step. I am really lucky and honored that as a Fulbrighter I will continue conducting my research here until next May. Beside others, I will try to classify brain waves to emotions and apply, through  AI techniques, the derived data to a virtual actor. This will require experimentation with EEG on an actual actor’s real time performance and its goal is the creation of a virtual actor useful  in cognitive sciences.  After that I plan to go back to Athens to my husband and my dog and  complete my dissertation with the results that I will obtain from my work here. I say it here to commit: I aspire to defend my PhD by the end of next year. 

A moment to treasure

There are so many once in a lifetime experiences I had here. If i have to choose just one, that would be the film itself as it is based on a recent very personal loss. This was a big challenge for me  while having to deal with that almost 24/7 through conceiving the idea,  filming, acting and editing some fragile moments but mostly that worked in a soothing way. As art always does. 

Natali Chavez is a professional actress and a Ph.D. candidate in the Film Department of the School of Fine Arts at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in the field of Virtual, Augmented, Mixed Reality and Cinema. She obtained a B.A. in European and International Business and Politics from the University of Macedonia, a M.Sc. in Services Management at Athens University of Economics and Business, and an Acting Diploma. She also possesses certificates, inter alia, in Pedagogy and Teaching, Artificial Intelligence, Python and Machine Learning. As an actress she has worked with various important theatrical and film directors. Her research interests lie in Virtual Actors and their expressions using anthropological, cognitive and acting theories, animation, Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence tools. 

Currently she is completing her ICT Summer Internship under Dr. Andrew Gordon from Interactive Narrative Research. The result of this internship leads to a new solution for emerging filmmakers which, by taking advantage of AI workflows, offers high level quality results in lighting, scene designing etc.

As a Fulbright Visiting Research Student, she will join the Mixed Reality Lab for 6 months. Her main scientific aim will be a theoretical and an experimental study of acting methods translation into meaningful data in scope of creation of a virtual actor with Artificial Intelligence component and its application in cognitive sciences. 

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https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2024/08/nist-releases-first-3-finalized-post-quantum-encryption-standards

NIST Releases First 3 Finalized Post-Quantum Encryption Standards

• NIST has released a final set of encryption tools designed to withstand the attack of a quantum computer.
• These post-quantum encryption standards secure a wide range of electronic information, from confidential email messages to e-commerce transactions that propel the modern economy.
• NIST is encouraging computer system administrators to begin transitioning to the new standards as soon as possible.

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has finalized its principal set of encryption algorithms designed to withstand cyberattacks from a quantum computer. 

Researchers around the world are racing to build quantum computers that would operate in radically different ways from ordinary computers and could break the current encryption that provides security and privacy for just about everything we do online.  The algorithms announced today are specified in the first completed standards from NIST’s  post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standardization project , and are ready for immediate use.

The three new standards are built for the future. Quantum computing technology is developing rapidly, and some experts predict that a device with the capability to break current encryption methods could appear  within a decade , threatening the security and privacy of individuals, organizations and entire nations. 

Want to learn more about post-quantum cryptography? Check out our explainer.  

“The advancement of quantum computing plays an essential role in reaffirming America’s status as a global technological powerhouse and driving the future of our economic security,” said Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves.   “Commerce bureaus are doing their part to ensure U.S. competitiveness in quantum, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which is at the forefront of this whole-of-government effort. NIST is providing invaluable expertise to develop innovative solutions to our quantum challenges, including security measures like post-quantum cryptography that organizations can start to implement to secure our post-quantum future. As this decade-long endeavor continues, we look forward to continuing Commerce’s legacy of leadership in this vital space.”

The standards — containing the encryption algorithms’ computer code, instructions for how to implement them, and their intended uses — are  the result of an eight-year effort managed by NIST, which has a long history of developing encryption. The agency has rallied the world’s cryptography experts to conceive, submit and then evaluate cryptographic algorithms that could resist the assault of quantum computers. The nascent technology could revolutionize fields from weather forecasting to fundamental physics to drug design, but it carries threats as well. 

“Quantum computing technology could become a force for solving many of society’s most intractable problems, and the new standards represent NIST’s commitment to ensuring it will not simultaneously disrupt our security,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio . “These finalized standards are the capstone of NIST’s efforts to safeguard our confidential electronic information.”

Encryption carries a heavy load in modern digitized society. It protects countless electronic secrets, such as the contents of email messages, medical records and photo libraries, as well as information vital to national security. Encrypted data can be sent across public computer networks because it is unreadable to all but its sender and intended recipient. 

Encryption tools rely on complex math problems that conventional computers find difficult or impossible to solve. A sufficiently capable quantum computer, though, would be able to sift through a vast number of potential solutions to these problems very quickly, thereby defeating current encryption. The algorithms NIST has standardized are based on different math problems that would stymie both conventional and quantum computers.

“These finalized standards include instructions for incorporating them into products and encryption systems,” said NIST mathematician Dustin Moody, who heads the PQC standardization project. “We encourage system administrators to start integrating them into their systems immediately, because full integration will take time.”

Moody said that these standards are the primary tools for general encryption and protecting digital signatures. 

NIST also continues to evaluate two other sets of algorithms that could one day serve as backup standards. 

One of these sets consists of three algorithms designed for general encryption but based on a different type of math problem than the general-purpose algorithm in the finalized standards. NIST plans to announce its selection of one or two of these algorithms by the end of 2024.

The second set includes a larger group of algorithms designed for digital signatures.  In order to accommodate any ideas that cryptographers may have had since the initial 2016 call for submissions , NIST asked the public for additional algorithms in 2022 and has begun a process of evaluating them. In the near future, NIST expects to announce about 15 algorithms from this group that will proceed to the next round of testing, evaluation and analysis. 

While analysis of these two additional sets of algorithms will continue, Moody said that any subsequent PQC standards will function as backups to the three that NIST announced today. 

“There is no need to wait for future standards,” he said. “Go ahead and start using these three. We need to be prepared in case of an attack that defeats the algorithms in these three standards, and we will continue working on backup plans to keep our data safe. But for most applications, these new standards are the main event.” 

More Details on the New Standards

Encryption uses math to protect sensitive electronic information, including secure websites and emails. Widely used  public-key encryption systems , which rely on math problems that computers find intractable, ensure that these websites and messages are inaccessible to unwelcome third parties. Before making the selections, NIST considered not only the security of the algorithms’ underlying math, but also the best applications for them. 

The new standards are designed for two essential tasks for which encryption is typically used: general encryption, used to protect information exchanged across a public network; and digital signatures, used for identity authentication. NIST  announced its selection of four algorithms — CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, Sphincs+ and FALCON — slated for standardization in 2022 and  released draft versions of three of these standards in 2023. The fourth draft standard based on FALCON is planned for late 2024.  

While there have been no substantive changes made to the standards since the draft versions, NIST has changed the algorithms’ names to specify the versions that appear in the three finalized standards, which are: 

• Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 203 , intended as the primary standard for general encryption. Among its advantages are comparatively small encryption keys that two parties can exchange easily, as well as its speed of operation. The standard is based on the  CRYSTALS-Kyber algorithm, which has been renamed ML-KEM, short for Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism.
• FIPS 204 , intended as the primary standard for protecting digital signatures. The standard uses the  CRYSTALS-Dilithium algorithm, which has been renamed ML-DSA, short for Module-Lattice-Based Digital Signature Algorithm.
• FIPS 205 , also designed for digital signatures. The standard employs the  Sphincs+ algorithm, which has been renamed SLH-DSA, short for Stateless Hash-Based Digital Signature Algorithm. The standard is based on a different math approach than ML-DSA, and it is intended as a backup method in case ML-DSA proves vulnerable.

Similarly, when the draft FIPS 206 standard built around FALCON is released, the algorithm will be dubbed FN-DSA, short for FFT (fast-Fourier transform) over NTRU-Lattice-Based Digital Signature Algorithm.