Tom Brown, Ph.D. ,  Associate Professor of Science Education

Conclusions, Implications, Limitations

The conclusion section should follow naturally from the interpretation of your data. In making your conclusions, keep in mind that they should provide a concise summary of your findings.  Conclusions are opinions that are supported by the evidence that has been presented.  You should state your conclusions clearly and concisely as they represent your last chance to communicate the importance and meaning of your research.  This is usually a very short section and no new ideas or interpretations should be presented.

Implications:

The implications refer to the impact that your conclusions might have on different aspects of the educational community. Since this is an action research project, the most important implications will usually involve the impact that this research can have on improving your effectiveness as a classroom teacher. Hence, this should be your primary focus in this section.

But you can and should also briefly discuss if and how your findings may be generalized and applied to other school populations (teachers, schools, districts). In considering the implications to others, use language that lets the reader decide whether or not they will apply to their situations. Phrases such as such as "This research implies..." or "This research suggests..."  allows the reader to freedom to make their own judgments. Such freedom is needed if one hopes that the impact of this project will reach beyond the walls of the individual's classroom.

Limitations:

The limitations refer to the shortcomings of your research and will vary depending on whether your study was qualitative or quantitative in nature.  You should briefly discuss what you consider to be the weaknesses of your study.

For additional information on conclusions and implications, check out the following: