CHAPTER 22

Drawing Valid Conclusions

Drawing valid conclusions

Conclusions are:

• the key findings of your business research project

• the point at which you answer the research question set

• the point at which you show you understand the implications of your research findings

Conclusions are not:

• a précis of the entire business research project

• an opportunity for you to say what you would have liked to have found

• a series of unsupported claims

• a bullet-point list

The characteristics of valid conclusions

FocusedInformed

ValidCoherent

SubstantialConvincing

• Focused Conclusions should answer the

research question by drawing on the key issues

• Valid Claims need to be supported by

evidence and derived from the research

• Substantial Conclusions should draw out the

salient features in a robust way

• Convincing Arguments need to build in a logical

and ‘evidenced’ manner

• Coherent Arguments should be themed and the

connections between themes made clear

• Informed Conclusions should be derived from the

research findings and informed by the academic literature

Steps in producing valid conclusions

Step 1

Revisit the research question and the research objectives:

What did you set out to achieve, precisely?

Step 2

Gather together all your data and your research results.

Decide which results are the most important and make notes as to why you think this.

Step 3 Consider your audience

– Who are they? – What ‘language’ do they speak?– What are the words they are

listening for?– Is there more than one

audience?

You may need to produce more than one set of conclusions – however, every set of conclusions needs to accurately portray the research findings.

Step 4

Map out your conclusions:

• Introduction – sets the scene; needs to be brief

• Main body – contains the key points

• Conclusions – how to close the discussion

Step 5

For each of the sections, map out your arguments:

• Introduction starts where? Finishes where?

• Main body starts where? Draws on what evidence? Finishes where?

• Conclusions . . .

Step 6

Concluding the conclusions: you can• end by showing how you answered

the research question • end by emphasising one main point• end by listing two or three main points• end by leading into recommendations

Student Activity 1