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Here, you should briefly tell the reader what they can expect to find in the chapter (content), and in what order (layout/structure). This section serves to help the reader orient themselves and understand what to expect from the chapter. You can use the headings in this template as a guide for this section.
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Here’s a practical example:
“This chapter will begin by providing a summary of the findings, as well as the limitations of the study, followed by recommendations for further research…”
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This section should be no more than one concise and cohesive paragraph. Keep it short.
Next, you’ll summarize your key findings, as presented (in detail) in the discussion chapter.
Ideally, you should start by reminding the reader of the overarching research aims and research questions that you sought to answer in your study. Then, explain what your findings were in relation to these research aims and questions.
Simply put, in this section you’ll connect the first chapter (the introduction chapter) to the final chapter (the conclusion chapter), thereby bringing your research full circle and directly answering your research questions. It’s important to have a strong connection between these two chapters, as many readers will jump directly from the intro chapter to the conclusion to get an overview of the study. So, make sure that these two chapters “fit” together well.
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Some phrases that might come in handy as you write this section:
Keep in mind that you don’t have to be particularly detailed here, as you should have covered all of the findings in-depth in the discussion chapter (the previous chapter). Instead, it’s important to zoom out a little bit here and focus on the broader findings – specifically, the findings that help address the research aims.
Now that you’ve presented a summary of your findings, you’ll need to clarify the limitations of the findings, and of the study in general. These limitations can cover any part of your study. For example:
Be clear and specific when you describe what limitations exist and what improvements could be made. Discussing the limitations and shortcomings of your research in a frank way is how you demonstrate your understanding of the research process, which is what will earn you marks. So, don’t be shy here. At the same time, you don’t need to be overly critical either (i.e., don’t shoot down your research). Outline the limitations, but also remind the reader of the value of your study, despite its limitations.
The video below provides some inspiration to get you started.