P.10 Making Conclusions

Purpose of a Conclusion

• Definition: A conclusion is a clear, concise statement summarizing what your results indicate about the research question or hypothesis.
• Relation to Hypothesis: It should directly address the initial question or hypothesis by interpreting the results in a straightforward way.

Writing Effective Conclusions

1. Link to Results:

• Base your conclusion on patterns and trends observed in the data.
• Example: In the rennin experiment, you could conclude:
  • “The greater the concentration of rennin, the shorter the time taken to reach the end-point, indicating that an increase in rennin concentration increases the rate of reaction.”

1. Hypothesis Testing:

• If the experiment was testing a hypothesis, the conclusion should state whether the results support or do not support the hypothesis.
• Avoid Overstating:
  • Do not claim to have “proved” the hypothesis; instead, indicate that results support or are consistent with the hypothesis, as multiple sets of results are generally needed for certainty.

Key Points for Writing a Conclusion

• Be Specific: Directly state the relationship or trend observed (e.g., “As X increases, Y decreases”).
• Avoid Certainty: Use cautious language to indicate support rather than proof (e.g., “The results suggest…”).
• Clarity and Focus: Make the conclusion concise, focused solely on the findings, and avoid introducing new information.

Example Conclusion Structure

Practical Tips

• Review Results: Summarize the observed trend in data clearly before formulating your conclusion.
• Address Limitations: Mention briefly if certain limitations may affect the strength of your conclusion.
• Stay Objective: Base conclusions strictly on the data without assumptions beyond the experiment’s scope.