Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Schlussfolgerung / Español: Conclusión / Português: Conclusão / Français: Conclusion / Italiano: Conclusione

In the context of psychology, a conclusion refers to the end part of a psychological assessment, research study, or any analytical process where findings and implications are summarized and interpreted. It typically involves drawing together the key findings of a study, discussing the implications of these findings in terms of theory, practice, and future research, and may also suggest potential interventions or actions based on the results.

General Description

In psychological research or clinical assessments, the conclusion is crucial for articulating the significance of the findings or results. It involves a concise synthesis of the data and its implications, providing a clear understanding of how the results contribute to existing knowledge or clinical practice. Conclusions in psychology are not just summaries; they are also used to discuss the limitations of the study, address any anomalies within the results, and propose areas for further research.

Application Areas

Conclusions are applicable in various domains within psychology:

• Academic Research: Conclusions in academic papers detail the contribution of the research to the existing body of knowledge, suggesting how future research can build on these findings.
• Clinical Practice: In clinical settings, conclusions drawn from assessments or therapy sessions can guide treatment plans and interventions.
• Organizational Psychology: Conclusions from workplace studies might suggest changes in policy or practice to improve employee well-being and organizational efficiency.

Well-Known Examples

A famous example of a conclusion in psychological research is the summary of findings in Stanley Milgram’s obedience studies, which profoundly influenced theories of authority and social behavior. His conclusion helped shape discussions and further studies on the power dynamics and ethical considerations in human behavior.

Treatment and Risks

Drawing conclusions in psychological contexts involves careful interpretation of data to avoid biases and misrepresentations. Conclusions based on inadequate or flawed data can lead to incorrect assumptions about psychological phenomena, potentially causing harm if these conclusions inform clinical practices or policy-making.

Similar Terms

Similar or related terms include "findings", "discussion", and "implications", which are often parts of the conclusion section in psychological reports and academic papers.

Weblinks

• allerwelt-lexikon.de: 'Schlussfolgerung' in the allerwelt-lexikon.de (German)

Summary

In psychology, a conclusion serves as a critical component of research and practice, synthesizing and interpreting findings to highlight relevance, applicability, and areas for further investigation. Effective conclusions ensure the utility and integrity of psychological research and practice, guiding future scholarly and clinical endeavors.

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