What is the Difference Between a Summary and a Conclusion in a Dissertation?

The main difference between a summary and a conclusion is their purpose and content.

A summary provides a condensed overview of the main points and findings of the dissertation. It aims to give readers a clear understanding of the key aspects of the research without going into too much detail. A summary is usually located at the beginning of the dissertation and it serves as an introduction to the rest of the work.

On the other hand, a conclusion is a section that appears at the end of a dissertation, after the main body of the work. Its purpose is to bring together all the key points discussed in the dissertation and provide a final analysis of the research. A conclusion should answer the main research question(s) and reflect on the implications of the research findings.

While both a summary and a conclusion provide an overview of the research, a summary is a brief overview of the entire dissertation, whereas a conclusion is a more in-depth analysis of the research findings.

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What is the Purpose of the Dissertation Conclusion Chapter?

The purpose of the dissertation conclusion chapter is to provide a concise summary of the main findings of the research and to interpret these findings in the context of the research question and objectives. The conclusion serves as the final statement of the research project and should leave readers with a clear understanding of the significance of the research and its contributions to the field.

More specifically, the purpose of the dissertation conclusion can be summarized as follows:

Summarize your research findings and key arguments: One of the main purposes of a dissertation conclusion is to provide a concise summary of your research findings and key arguments. This section should highlight the most important aspects of your research, and provide a brief overview of your main findings and their implications.
Tie your research back to your research question and objectives: Another important purpose of a dissertation conclusion is to tie your research back to your original research question and objectives. This section should demonstrate how you have answered your research question, and how you have achieved your research objectives.
Provide insights into the significance and implications of your research: A dissertation conclusion should also provide insights into the significance and implications of your research. This section should highlight the importance of your research, and explain how your research contributes to the existing body of knowledge in your field.
Suggest directions for future research: Finally, a dissertation conclusion should suggest directions for future research. This section should provide recommendations for future research, and explain how your research could be extended or improved upon in the future.

Simply put, the purpose of a dissertation conclusion is to provide a comprehensive and insightful analysis of your research findings and to situate the findings within the broader context of the field of study. By doing so, the conclusion serves to emphasize the significance of the research and to inspire future research and innovation in the field.

Dissertation Conclusion Outline Format

Following the typical dissertation structure, here is a possible outline format for a dissertation conclusion:

I. Summary of the Research

Restate the research problem and research questions
Summarize the main findings of the study
Discuss the implications of the study’s results

II. Conclusions

Discuss the significance of the study’s findings in relation to the research problem
Evaluate the study’s success in achieving its objectives
Discuss any limitations of the study and how they may have impacted the results

III. Contribution to Existing Knowledge

Discuss the originality of the research and its contribution to the existing literature
Highlight any new insights or perspectives gained from the study
Discuss the potential impact of the research on theory, practice, or policy

IV. Recommendations

Provide recommendations for future research based on the study’s limitations or unanswered questions
Discuss any practical recommendations that can be drawn from the study’s findings
Provide suggestions for how the study’s results could be applied in practice or policy

V. Reflections on the Research Process

Reflect on the research process and discuss any challenges encountered
Evaluate the research methodology and discuss any changes that could be made for future research
Discuss any lessons learned from the research process

VI. Final Remarks

Summarize the main points of the conclusion
Discuss the significance of the study for the research field and its potential impact
Provide any final reflections or recommendations.