No matter what the scientific field, lab reports all have similar elements. One such attribute is the inclusion of a discussion or conclusion section. Many feel intimidated when composing this section because it requires the most critical thinking. The main purpose of the conclusion and discussion section is to comment on the results mentioned in the lab report.
Instructions
1. Use elements from the introduction in the conclusion. Their structure must be similar. If you are having difficulty writing the conclusion, re-read the introduction for ideas about what to write.
2. Include an analysis of the results when writing a conclusion or discussion section of a lab report. Link the results to what you read in the literature, review or other sources mentioned in the introduction.
3. Discuss whether or not the results supported your hypothesis. If they did not, discuss why not.
4. Suggest biases that may have affected the experimental design. Discuss how they can be eliminated in the future. Discuss the possibility of using a different methodology or design.
5. Write about how the experiment can be improved in future replications.
6. Discuss the significance of the experiment, if it resulted in the creation of new knowledge, added support to a recently developed theory or aided in the formulation of new questions to be researched. Consider also that the experiment may have been a complete waste of time.
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