Writing a Lab Report Conclusion
A lab report conclusion should be written in an essay format. The conclusion should include complete paragraphs, proper spelling, and correct punctuation. This section is the MOST IMPORTANT part of a lab report. The following format should be used:
Paragraph 1: Restate the problem/purpose. BRIEFLY state whether your
data supported the purpose of the experiment - this would be your conclusion. (Your conclusions MUST relate to the purpose of the experiment!)
Ex: The purpose of this experiment was to compare the pH of an acid after
several different bases were added to the acid. The data collected in this experiment does support the theory that the pH of an acid increases when a base is added.
Paragraph 2: Discuss how the data you received helped you come to your
conclusion. ALWAYS referto any graphs you have produced to show the relationships in your data. Explain the relationship shown in your graph! (If you have an equation for the graph, the equation will help you to explain a relationship!) MOST IMPORTANT PARAGRAPH!
Paragraph 3: Discuss any sources of error in recording your measurements
(dependent variable) or in the procedure. There are ALWAYS sourcesof error in an experiment. Discuss why the data, or your conclusion, may not be accurate due to these errors.
Paragraph 4: Closing: BRIEFLY restate the problem & conclusion! Suggest
any changes that can be made to the experimental procedure and how these changes might affect thedata received in the lab.
Ex: In this lab the pH of the acid was determined by using various bases to
show a neutralization effect. In future experiments it would be helpful to slowly pour the base into the acid with a dropper instead of a beaker to prevent spilling the base. The remainder of the procedure is easy to follow and safe.
NEVER Personalize your conclusion!
Do not use words like I, we, us, you – UNACCEPTABLE for a formal report!
Lab Report Template
Title: * a brief, concise, yet descriptive title
Statement of the Problem:
* What question(s) are you trying to answer?
* Include any preliminary observations or background information about the subject
Hypothesis:
* Write a possible solution for the problem.
* Make sure this possible solution is a complete sentence.
* Make sure the statement is testable, an if-then statement is recommended to illustrate what criteria will support your hypothesis (and what data would no support the hypothesis).
Materials:
* Make a list of ALL items used in the lab.
Procedure:
* List details (step-by-step) of your procedure in such a way that anyone else could repeat the experiment.
* Number the steps. 1, 2, 3, etc.
Results (Data):
* This section should include any data tables, observations, or additional notes you make during the lab.
* You may attach a separate sheet(s) if necessary.
* All tables, graphs and charts should be labeled appropriately.
Conclusions:
* Accept or reject your hypothesis.
* EXPLAIN why you accepted or rejected your hypothesis using data from the lab.
* Include a summary of the data - averages, highest, lowest..etc to help the reader understand your results. Try not to copy your data here, you should summarize and reference KEY information.
* List one thing you learned and describe how it applies to a real-life situation.
*Discuss possible errors that could have occurred in the collection of the data (experimental errors)