When you finish a scientific experiment, you are left with data that needs to be analyzed and interpreted. This is done by writing a scientific conclusion. A good scientific conclusion will accurately reflect the results of your experiment, while also being clear and concise. In this guide, we will teach you how to write a scientific conclusion that will impress your professor and help you get better grades!
What is a scientific conclusion?
A scientific conclusion is the result of an investigation or experiment that has been conducted using the scientific method. A scientific conclusion must be based on evidence that has been collected and analyzed systematically. It is not enough to simply observe something happening; scientists must also be able to explain why it is happening. To be convincing, a scientific conclusion must be supported by data that can be verified by other scientists. When all of the evidence is taken into account, a scientific conclusion can be considered to be true. However, it is important to remember that all scientific conclusions are provisional, and new evidence may lead to new conclusions being drawn in the future.
Why write a good conclusion for a scientific report?
When writing a scientific report, it is important to include a conclusion. The conclusion is a summary of the main findings of the report. It should be concise and to the point. It is important to write a good conclusion because it gives the reader a sense of closure and helps them to understand the main points of the report. Additionally, a well-written conclusion can make the difference between a report that is merely average and one that is truly memorable. Therefore, it is essential to take care when writing the conclusion of a scientific report. With a little effort, you can ensure that your report ends on a strong note.
Read More: How to write a conclusion for a lab report
How to write a strong scientific conclusion
A strong conclusion to a scientific paper can help to solidify the findings of the study and underscore the importance of the research. Here are four steps to writing a strong conclusion:
1. Restate the main findings.
A strong conclusion to a scientific report will briefly restate the main findings of the study. This helps to remind the reader of what they have just read, and provides a good starting point for discussion or further research. It is important to be concise in your restatement, as you do not want to simply repeat the entire body of your paper. Instead, focus on the key points that are most relevant to your study’s conclusions. For example, if you conducted a study on the effect of different fertilizers on plant growth, you would want to mention the results of your experiments in your conclusion. By briefly restating the main findings of your study, you can help to ensure that your reader understands and remembers the most important aspects of your work.
2. Discuss the implications of the findings.
When writing a scientific conclusion, it is important to discuss the implications of the findings and how they contribute to our understanding of the topic. This helps to provide context for the reader and to demonstrate the importance of the work. It also shows that the researcher has thought carefully about the implications of the findings and what they mean for future research. In some cases, it may be necessary to discuss the limitations of the study and how these might affect the conclusions that have been drawn. However, overall, discussing the implications of the findings is an essential part of writing a strong scientific conclusion.
3. Summarize the key takeaways from the report.
A good scientific conclusion should first summarize the key takeaways from the paper. These takeaways should be stated clearly and concisely. The conclusion should then explain how the findings can be used in future research. This explanation should be based on the data presented in the paper and should be supported by logical reasoning. Ultimately, a strong scientific conclusion should leave readers with a clear understanding of the significance of the findings and how they can be applied to further scientific knowledge.
4. State any limitations of the study and suggest areas for further research.
To write a strong scientific conclusion, it is important to first state any limitations of the study. This will help to ensure that the reader understands the context of the research and does not overinterpret the findings. In addition, it is also important to suggest areas for further research. By doing so, you can help to contribute to the body of knowledge in your field and potentially make a lasting impact on the scientific community.
With these things in mind, follow these steps to write a strong scientific conclusion. First, state any limitations of the study. Second, suggest areas for further research. Third, reiterate the main findings of the study. Fourth, explain how the findings can be applied in a real-world setting. Finally, thank any funding sources
By following these steps, you can ensure that your conclusion is both clear and concise, making it an important part of your scientific paper.
Common mistakes in scientific conclusions
There are a few common mistakes that scientists often make when drawing conclusions from their data.
Assuming that correlation implies causation
One error is to assume that correlation implies causation. Just because two variables are related does not mean that one is causing the other. For example, there may be a correlation between ice cream sales and swimming pool drownings, but that doesn’t mean that eating ice cream causes people to drown!
Generalizing results from a small sample size
Another mistake is generalizing results from a small sample size. If a study includes only a few participants, it’s not possible to know whether the findings would be the same if the study was conducted on a larger group.
Falling prey to confirmation bias
Finally, scientists sometimes fall prey to confirmation bias, which is the tendency to see what you expect to see and overlook contradictory evidence.
These are just a few of the potential mistakes that can be made when writing a scientific conclusion. By being aware of these common errors, you can avoid them in your work.
Now that you understand the basics of writing a scientific conclusion, it’s time to put this knowledge into practice.
Further Readings
- Scientific Method: Step 6: CONCLUSION – Subject Guides
- Scientific conclusions need not be accurate, justified, or
- Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper
- Conclusion Sections in Scientific Research Reports (IMRaD)
- Scientific Papers | Learn Science at Scitable – Nature
- Writing conclusion paragraphs in a science lab report