Do You Write Conclusions in APA Format? A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating the world of academic writing can feel like traversing a complex maze. One of the most crucial aspects of this journey is understanding the nuances of formatting, especially when it comes to the final chapter: the conclusion. If you’re wrestling with the question, “Do you write conclusions in APA format?”, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of what APA format dictates for conclusions, ensuring your academic papers are polished, professional, and ready to impress.
Understanding the Purpose of an APA Conclusion
Before diving into the specifics of formatting, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental role a conclusion plays in an APA-formatted paper. The conclusion isn’t just an obligatory section; it’s the final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your reader. It’s where you synthesize your findings, reiterate your argument, and provide a sense of closure. Think of it as the grand finale of your academic performance.
Key Elements of an APA Conclusion: What to Include
An effective APA conclusion should include several key elements. Omitting these can weaken your paper.
Restating Your Thesis (But Not Word-for-Word!)
The first step is to revisit your thesis statement. However, avoid simply repeating it verbatim. Instead, rephrase your thesis in a way that demonstrates a deeper understanding, reflecting the analysis you’ve presented throughout the body of your paper. This shows growth in your thinking. Show how the evidence you presented supports your initial claim.
Summarizing Your Main Points
Briefly recap the major arguments and evidence you presented in your paper. This is not a detailed rehash of every point but a concise overview. Focus on the most critical elements that support your thesis. This reinforces the reader’s understanding.
Synthesizing Your Findings: The “So What?” Factor
This is the heart of your conclusion. Go beyond simply summarizing what you’ve already said. Explain the significance of your findings. What implications do they have? How do they contribute to the existing body of knowledge? This is where you showcase your critical thinking skills and demonstrate the value of your research.
Addressing Limitations and Future Research
Acknowledging the limitations of your study is a sign of intellectual honesty and demonstrates critical self-awareness. Briefly mention any constraints, methodological weaknesses, or areas where further research is needed. Suggesting future research directions not only provides context but also opens new avenues for intellectual exploration.
Leaving a Lasting Impression: A Call to Action (Optional)
Depending on your topic and the nature of your research, you might consider ending with a call to action or a thought-provoking statement. This could involve suggesting practical applications of your findings, posing a new question, or offering a final, insightful reflection.
Formatting Your APA Conclusion: Style and Structure
APA format provides specific guidelines for the structure and style of your conclusion. Adhering to these ensures your paper is consistent and professional.
The Length of Your Conclusion
The length of your conclusion will vary depending on the length and complexity of your paper. Generally, the conclusion should be approximately 5-10% of the total paper length. Avoid making it too short (which can feel abrupt) or too long (which can feel repetitive).
Writing Style: Clarity and Conciseness
Maintain a clear, concise, and professional writing style. Avoid overly complex sentences and jargon. Ensure your language is precise and that your ideas are presented logically. Strong, active verbs will make your conclusion more impactful.
Avoiding New Information
A crucial rule: Do not introduce any new information or evidence in your conclusion. The conclusion is for summarizing and interpreting what you’ve already presented. Introducing new material at this stage can confuse the reader and weaken your argument.
Using Transition Words
Use transition words and phrases to guide your reader through your conclusion and create a smooth flow. Examples include “In conclusion,” “In summary,” “Therefore,” “Consequently,” “As a result,” and “Ultimately.”
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your APA Conclusion
Several mistakes can undermine the effectiveness of your conclusion. Being aware of these can help you avoid them.
Repeating Your Introduction Word-for-Word
While you should revisit your thesis, avoid simply copying and pasting your introduction into your conclusion. This demonstrates a lack of critical thinking and synthesis.
Introducing New Arguments or Evidence
As mentioned previously, refrain from introducing any new information. Stick to summarizing and interpreting what you’ve already presented.
Apologizing for Weaknesses
While acknowledging limitations is important, avoid excessive apologies or self-deprecating remarks. Focus on the significance of your findings rather than dwelling on perceived shortcomings.
Making Unsubstantiated Claims
Ensure that all claims made in your conclusion are supported by the evidence presented in your paper. Avoid making sweeping generalizations or unsupported assertions.
Being Too Vague or General
Avoid writing a conclusion that is overly vague or general. Provide specific insights and interpretations based on your research.
Examples of Effective APA Conclusion Phrases
Let’s look at some examples of phrases you can incorporate into your conclusion.
- “In light of these findings, it’s evident that…”
- “The implications of this research suggest…”
- “Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of…”
- “As a result of the evidence presented, it can be concluded that…”
- “These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of…”
Formatting Your Conclusion in Your APA Paper: The Practical Guide
The conclusion is not a separately formatted section in APA style. It follows the body of your paper, after the discussion (if you have one). It typically doesn’t have a specific heading style beyond the general formatting rules for the document.
Heading and Formatting
There is no specific heading style for the conclusion. Your conclusion should start after the body of your paper. It is typically formatted like any other paragraph in the paper, using double-spaced text, 1-inch margins, and a standard font (such as Times New Roman, 12-point). There is no special font or font size for the conclusion. It should flow seamlessly from the previous section of your paper.
Page Numbering
Your conclusion will continue the page numbering sequence from the rest of your paper.
FAQ Section: Addressing Additional APA Conclusion Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about APA conclusions, offering further clarification.
What if My Paper Doesn’t Have a “Discussion” Section?
If your paper doesn’t have a separate discussion section, the conclusion often serves as the place to synthesize your findings, discuss their implications, and address any limitations.
Can I Use Personal Opinions in My Conclusion?
While your conclusion should be based on your research and supported by evidence, you can express your informed opinions and interpretations. However, avoid making unsubstantiated claims or expressing personal biases.
How Do I Know if My Conclusion is Effective?
An effective conclusion should provide a clear summary of your main points, synthesize your findings, address the “so what?” factor, and leave a lasting impression on the reader. If your conclusion achieves these goals, it’s likely effective.
Is It Okay to Include a Final Quote in My Conclusion?
Including a relevant and impactful quote can sometimes be a compelling way to conclude your paper. However, ensure that the quote is directly related to your research and that it enhances your argument, rather than distracting from it.
What if I’m Writing a Literature Review?
The conclusion of a literature review should summarize the main themes and findings of the reviewed literature, highlight any gaps in the existing research, and suggest directions for future studies.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of the APA Conclusion
In summary, writing an effective conclusion in APA format is a crucial skill for any academic writer. By understanding the purpose of a conclusion, incorporating the key elements, following the formatting guidelines, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can craft a conclusion that summarizes your research, synthesizes your findings, and leaves a lasting impression on your readers. Remember to revisit your thesis, summarize your main points, synthesize your findings, address limitations, and (optionally) offer a call to action. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your academic papers are not only well-researched but also professionally presented and impactful.