1. Drawing Valid Conclusions
CHAPTER 22
Drawing Valid Conclusions

2. 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

3. 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

4. The characteristics of valid conclusions
Focussed
Valid
Substantial
Convincing
Coherent
Informed
Informed
Focused
Coherent
Valid
Convincing
Substantial

5. 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

6. 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

7. Steps in producing valid conclusions
Revisit the research question and the research objectives:
What did you set out to achieve, precisely?

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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 . . .

12. 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