Manuscript Preparation and Writing Standards8

Manuscript Preparation and Writing Standards8

8. How to Write the Conclusion Section in Q1/Q2 Journal Articles

Purpose of the Conclusion Section

The Conclusion section is the final scholarly statement of a research article. It represents the author’s last opportunity to communicate the significance, contribution, and implications of the study to readers, reviewers, editors, policymakers, and future researchers.

In prestigious Q1 and Q2 journals, the Conclusion is not merely a summary of previous sections. Rather, it is a concise synthesis of the study’s most important findings and contributions, presented within a broader scientific context.

The central question addressed by the Conclusion section is:

“What should readers ultimately learn and remember from this research?”

A well-written Conclusion leaves readers with a clear understanding of why the study matters and how it advances knowledge in the field.

The Strategic Importance of the Conclusion

Many authors underestimate the importance of the Conclusion section. However, editors and reviewers often read the Abstract, Discussion, and Conclusion very carefully because these sections reveal:

• The scientific contribution of the study.
• The significance of the findings.
• The originality of the research.
• The broader implications of the work.
• The maturity of the author’s scientific thinking.

A weak conclusion can diminish the perceived impact of an otherwise strong manuscript, whereas a strong conclusion can reinforce the study’s importance and scholarly value.

Objectives of the Conclusion Section

An effective Conclusion should:

1. Revisit the Research Problem

Remind readers of the central issue or question addressed by the study.

2. Synthesize Major Findings

Summarize the most important findings without repeating detailed results.

3. Highlight Scientific Contributions

Clearly explain how the study advances existing knowledge.

4. Emphasize Practical Relevance

Discuss implications for practice, policy, management, or society where appropriate.

5. Provide Future Perspectives

Identify promising directions for future research.

6. End with a Strong Final Message

Leave readers with a memorable statement regarding the significance of the study.

What the Conclusion Should Not Be

Many manuscripts are criticized because authors misunderstand the purpose of the Conclusion.

The Conclusion should not:

❌ Repeat the entire Results section.

❌ Introduce new data.

❌ Present new references.

❌ Introduce new theoretical arguments.

❌ Include extensive literature review.

❌ Contain detailed statistical findings.

❌ Expand into another Discussion section.

The Conclusion should synthesize, not repeat.

Recommended Structure of the Conclusion

A strong Q1/Q2 Conclusion generally follows a logical progression.

Step 1: Reintroduce the Research Context

Begin by briefly reminding readers of the problem or objective that motivated the study.

Example:

This study was conducted to investigate the factors influencing environmental resilience within rapidly urbanizing regions and to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated planning strategies.

This opening re-establishes the purpose of the research.

Step 2: Summarize the Principal Findings

Provide a concise synthesis of the most important findings.

Avoid presenting numerical results.

Weak Example:

Environmental awareness increased from 3.2 to 4.7 and institutional trust increased from 2.9 to 4.1.

Strong Example:

The findings demonstrate that environmental awareness and institutional trust are significant drivers of sustainable behavioral outcomes.

The focus should be on interpretation rather than data repetition.

Step 3: Highlight the Contribution to Knowledge

This is often the most important component of the Conclusion.

Authors should explicitly state:

• What new knowledge was generated.
• How the study advances understanding.
• Why the findings are scientifically important.

Example:

The study contributes to the environmental planning literature by providing empirical evidence regarding the interaction between environmental literacy, governance structures, and sustainable behavior.

In Q1 and Q2 journals, the contribution should be stated clearly and confidently.

Step 4: Discuss Broader Implications

Authors should explain how the findings may influence:

• Scientific research
• Policy development
• Environmental management
• Urban planning
• Industry practices
• Community engagement

Example:

These findings have important implications for policymakers seeking to design evidence-based interventions that enhance community resilience and environmental sustainability.

This demonstrates the practical value of the research.

Step 5: Identify Future Research Opportunities

Future research recommendations should emerge naturally from the findings and limitations.

Strong Example:

Future studies may explore the long-term effectiveness of environmental literacy interventions through longitudinal research designs across diverse cultural and geographic contexts.

Weak Example:

More studies are needed.

Specific recommendations are more valuable than generic statements.

Step 6: End with a Strong Closing Statement

The final sentence should emphasize the broader significance of the study.

Example:

By advancing understanding of the mechanisms that promote sustainable behavior, this research provides a foundation for more effective environmental planning strategies and contributes to the broader pursuit of sustainable development.

A strong closing statement leaves a lasting impression on readers.

The Difference Between Discussion and Conclusion

One of the most common mistakes among authors is failing to distinguish these sections.

Discussion	Conclusion
Interprets findings	Synthesizes findings
Compares with literature	Focuses on overall contribution
Examines implications in detail	Highlights key implications
Discusses limitations extensively	Briefly acknowledges limitations if needed
Often lengthy	Usually concise

The Conclusion should be shorter, more focused, and more strategic.

Length of the Conclusion

Although requirements vary among journals, the Conclusion is typically:

Quantitative Studies

300–800 words

Qualitative Studies

500–1,000 words

Review Articles

500–1,200 words

Interdisciplinary Studies

500–1,000 words

The emphasis should be on clarity and impact rather than length.

Writing Style Recommendations

The Conclusion should be:

Concise

Avoid unnecessary repetition.

Confident

State contributions clearly.

Evidence-Based

Ensure conclusions are supported by findings.

Forward-Looking

Highlight future relevance.

Accessible

Avoid excessive technical language.

Example of an Effective Conclusion Structure

Paragraph 1

Research purpose and context.

Paragraph 2

Major findings.

Paragraph 3

Scientific contribution.

Paragraph 4

Practical implications.

Paragraph 5

Future research directions.

Final Sentence

Broader significance of the study.

This structure is widely accepted across leading international journals.

Common Mistakes in Conclusion Writing

Content Errors

❌ Repeating entire results.

❌ Introducing new analyses.

❌ Introducing new references.

❌ Making unsupported claims.

❌ Exaggerating findings.

Structural Errors

❌ Conclusions that are too short.

❌ Conclusions that are excessively long.

❌ Lack of logical flow.

❌ Abrupt ending.

Scientific Errors

❌ Failing to identify contributions.

❌ Ignoring practical implications.

❌ Omitting future research directions.

❌ Making causal claims not supported by the methodology.

Characteristics of an Excellent Conclusion in Q1/Q2 Journals

An outstanding Conclusion typically demonstrates:

✓ Clear synthesis of findings.

✓ Strong scientific contribution.

✓ Practical and theoretical relevance.

✓ Logical connection to study objectives.

✓ Concise and focused writing.

✓ Evidence-based claims.

✓ Future-oriented perspective.

✓ Memorable final message.

Example of High-Level Academic Language

Instead of:

This study showed some important things.

Write:

The findings of this study provide robust evidence regarding the determinants of environmental resilience and offer valuable insights for both theory development and evidence-based policy formulation.

Instead of:

More research should be done.

Write:

Future investigations employing longitudinal and cross-cultural designs may further clarify the causal mechanisms underlying the observed relationships.

Final Recommendation

Before submitting a manuscript, authors should ask whether the Conclusion successfully answers the following questions:

1. What was the purpose of the study?
2. What are the most important findings?
3. What contribution does the study make?
4. Why are the findings important?
5. How can the findings be applied?
6. What future research is needed?
7. What is the lasting message of the study?

If readers can answer all seven questions after reading the Conclusion, the manuscript is likely approaching the standards expected by reputable Q1 and Q2 journals.