Drawing Valid Conclusions 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 Focussed Valid Substantial Convincing Coherent Informed Informed Focused Coherent Valid Convincing Substantial

Focused Valid Substantial 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 Coherent Informed 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 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.

Consider your audience 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.

Map out your conclusions: 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

For each of the sections, map out your arguments: 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 . . .

Concluding the conclusions: you can 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