Finding vs. Conclusion — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 4, 2024
Finding is an outcome or result of an investigation or analysis, typically open to interpretation, while a conclusion is a definitive decision or judgment reached after consideration.
Difference Between Finding and Conclusion
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A finding in research or analysis refers to data, facts, or insights that emerge from systematic investigation, which often requires further exploration or validation. On the other hand, a conclusion is the end result of the analytical process where a final judgment or decision is made based on the findings.
Findings can be preliminary and subject to change as more evidence is gathered. They often pose more questions than answers. Whereas conclusions are typically viewed as the final word on a subject, closing off further debate unless new evidence emerges.
In legal contexts, findings are the facts that the court establishes after evaluating evidence, highlighting the investigative aspect. In contrast, conclusions in this setting might involve applying the law to these findings to determine the outcome of a case.
In scientific research, findings are usually the results of experiments or studies, detailing observations and measured data. Conclusions, however, summarize the implications of these findings and suggest future research directions or applications.
Findings help in building the groundwork for intellectual inquiry; they are steps towards understanding complex phenomena. Conclusions, conversely, often signify the resolution of a specific question, providing closure and direction for practical action or further theoretical exploration.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Result or outcome of an investigation
Final judgment based on findings
Dependence on Interpretation
Often open to further interpretation and discussion
Generally considered definitive and final
Role in Research
Serves as evidence or data for analysis
Provides answers and wraps up the discussion
Changeability
Can change with new evidence or insights
Usually remains static unless overturned by new evidence
Usage in Sentences
Often used to describe discoveries or new information
Used to describe decisions or end results
Compare with Definitions
Finding
An outcome discovered through research or investigation.
The findings of the study were presented at the conference.
Conclusion
A decision reached after consideration.
The conclusion of the meeting was to increase funding.
Finding
A fact ascertained through analysis.
Her findings contradicted the initial hypothesis.
Conclusion
The end or finish of an event or process.
The conclusion of the play received a standing ovation.
Finding
A conclusion reached by a jury or judge concerning facts of a case.
The jury's finding was in favor of the defendant.
Conclusion
A judgment or decision reached by reasoning.
Her conclusion was that more research needed to be done.
Finding
Discoveries made during an archaeological dig.
The recent findings could suggest an ancient civilization.
Conclusion
A summary of the main points of an argument or theory.
The professor emphasized the conclusion in the last lecture.
Finding
Insights gained from a particular experience.
His findings from years of teaching were invaluable.
Conclusion
The final part of something, especially a book or document.
He wrote a new conclusion for his thesis.
Finding
Something that has been found.
Conclusion
The close or last part; the end or finish
The conclusion of the festivities.
Finding
A conclusion reached after examination or investigation
The finding of a grand jury.
A coroner's findings.
Conclusion
The result or outcome of an act or process
What was the conclusion of all these efforts?.
Finding
A statement or document containing an authoritative decision or conclusion
A presidential finding that authorized the covert operation.
Conclusion
A judgment or decision reached after deliberation.
Finding
Findings Small tools and materials used by an artisan
A jeweler's findings.
Conclusion
A final arrangement or settlement, as of a treaty.
Finding
A result of research or an investigation.
Conclusion
(Law) The formal closing of a legal complaint or pleading.
Finding
(legal) A formal conclusion by a judge, jury or regulatory agency on issues of fact.
Conclusion
A proposition that follows from the premises of a formal proof, for instance from the major and minor premises of a syllogism.
Finding
That which is found, a find, a discovery.
Conclusion
The proposition concluded from one or more premises; a deduction.
Finding
The act of discovering something by chance, an instance of finding something by chance.
Conclusion
The end, finish, close or last part of something.
Finding
Tools or materials used in shoe making or repair. from 19th century
Conclusion
The outcome or result of a process or act.
Finding
(jewelry) A self-contained component of assembled jewellery. from 19th century
Conclusion
A decision reached after careful thought.
The board has come to the conclusion that the proposed takeover would not be in the interest of our shareholders.
Finding
Present participle of find
Conclusion
(logic) In an argument or syllogism, the proposition that follows as a necessary consequence of the premises.
Finding
That which is found, come upon, or provided; esp. (pl.), that which a journeyman artisan finds or provides for himself; as tools, trimmings, etc.
When a man hath been laboring . . . in the deep mines of knowledge, hath furnished out his findings in all their equipage.
Conclusion
(obsolete) An experiment, or something from which a conclusion may be drawn.
Finding
Support; maintenance; that which is provided for one; expence; provision.
Conclusion
(law) The end or close of a pleading, for example, the formal ending of an indictment, "against the peace", etc.
Finding
The result of a judicial examination or inquiry, especially into some matter of fact; a verdict; as, the finding of a jury.
After his friends finding and his rent.
Conclusion
(law) An estoppel or bar by which a person is held to a particular position.
Finding
The act of determining the properties of something
Conclusion
The last part of anything; close; termination; end.
A fluorish of trumpets announced the conclusion of the contest.
Finding
The decision of a court on issues of fact or law
Conclusion
Final decision; determination; result.
And the conclusion is, she shall be thine.
Finding
Something that is found;
The findings in the gastrointestinal tract indicate that he died several hours after dinner
An area rich in archaelogical findings
Conclusion
Any inference or result of reasoning.
Conclusion
The inferred proposition of a syllogism; the necessary consequence of the conditions asserted in two related propositions called premises. See Syllogism.
He granted him both the major and minor, but denied him the conclusion.
Conclusion
Drawing of inferences.
Your wife Octavia, with her modest eyesAnd still conclusion.
Conclusion
An experiment, or something from which a conclusion may be drawn.
We practice likewise all conclusions of grafting and inoculating.
Conclusion
The end or close of a pleading, e.g., the formal ending of an indictment, "against the peace," etc.
Like the famous ape,To try conclusions, in the basket creep.
Conclusion
A position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration;
A decision unfavorable to the opposition
His conclusion took the evidence into account
Satisfied with the panel's determination
Conclusion
An intuitive assumption;
Jump to a conclusion
Conclusion
The temporal end; the concluding time;
The stopping point of each round was signaled by a bell
The market was up at the finish
They were playing better at the close of the season
Conclusion
Event whose occurrence ends something;
His death marked the ending of an era
When these final episodes are broadcast it will be the finish of the show
Conclusion
The proposition arrived at by logical reasoning (such as the proposition that must follow from the major and minor premises of a syllogism)
Conclusion
The act of ending something;
The termination of the agreement
Conclusion
A final settlement;
The conclusion of a business deal
The conclusion of the peace treaty
Conclusion
The last section of a communication;
In conclusion I want to say...
Conclusion
The act of making up your mind about something;
The burden of decision was his
He drew his conclusions quickly
Common Curiosities
How are findings presented in scientific papers?
Findings are typically presented in the results section, detailing the data and observations made during the study.
Can findings affect the validity of a conclusion?
Yes, findings provide the basis for conclusions, and inaccurate findings can lead to incorrect conclusions.
What is a finding in a research context?
In research, a finding is an observation or data point that emerges from the study, often requiring further interpretation.
How do findings contribute to scientific knowledge?
Findings add to the body of scientific knowledge by providing new information or confirming existing theories.
What is an example of a finding in a business analysis?
A finding in business analysis might be that a particular marketing strategy leads to increased sales.
How does a conclusion differ from a finding?
A conclusion is a final judgment or decision made based on findings, often marking the end of deliberation.
What role do findings play in legal decisions?
In legal contexts, findings determine the facts of the case, which are critical for reaching a conclusion in the verdict.
What is the importance of conclusions in academic essays?
Conclusions synthesize the main arguments and provide a final perspective on the essay topic.
Can conclusions be changed once they are made?
Conclusions are generally seen as final but can be revised if new findings or evidence emerge.
How do conclusions impact the direction of future research?
Conclusions can suggest areas where further research is necessary, guiding subsequent studies.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.