Elements of proper conclusions

Abstract Investigating first-year physics students’ ability to draw proper conclusions, we analysed 87 conclusions from the same experiment. Through rankings by teaching assistants we identified seven key elements of effective conclusions. These findings reveal a significant gap in students’ skills, with about half of the conclusions deemed inadequate. This study underscores the necessity for targeted educational interventions to enhance conclusion-drawing capabilities in physics education. The set of seven elements might provide guidance to improve students’ ability to draw proper conclusions.